Sichuan Opera master won't give up  

通訊：藍光臨68年的川劇藝術(shù)人生

藍光臨經(jīng)歷了新中國初期的川劇發(fā)展高峰期和“文革”停滯期，到1978年為鄧小平唱戲使川劇解禁，再到改革開放初期川劇的剎那輝煌和迄今未完的彷徨期，藍光臨的68年藝術(shù)人生隨著川劇近現(xiàn)代的發(fā)展歷史起起伏伏。

Chengdu (CNS) – Renowned Sichuan Opera performer Lan Guanglin has experienced many ups and downs in the past 68 years.

From the establishment of the Republic of China to the eve of the Cultural Revolution, Sichuan opera enjoyed a prosperous period, during which Lan performed nearly 100 times a year.

But then came the Cultural Revolution, which outlawed traditional opera (although some high officials continued to privately support it).

In 1978, the second year after the revolution, Lan and other famous artists were asked to perform for central government authorities, which initiated the rejuvenation of Sichuan Opera.

However, after the reform and opening-up, traditional opera fell out of favor in modern society. As audiences dwindled, Lan retired from the stage in 2001 at the age of 66.

A decade later, interest in China's cultural industry was revived, and Lan was honored as heir to an intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan Province. Now, despite being 78 years old, he still performs several times a year in a costume weighing 15 kilograms.

Sichuan Opera has attracted an alternative group and Lan's confidence has been restored. However, he says the future of the art form will not be bright until more young actors are trained.