As one of the major genres of opera in South China, Guangdong Opera is facing stiff competition from more modern styles of entertainment. But, determined to keep the art form alive, professional performers in Foshan, where the opera first came into being, gave local kids a taste of its attractions on Monday.

Students from the Provincial Guangdong Opera School caught the children's attention from the very beginning by modeling the costumes for the different roles. Veteran singer He Duzhong was on hand to explain. He also showed off his skills, which straightaway got the kids interested in imitating.

These three girls are trying to learn how to feed chickens. And this boy seems to have a novel idea of how to wear a beard, by putting it under his mouth.

He Duzhong says he's impressed by how quickly the kids learn. One girl is already thinking about learning it as a hobby. The lively performance also attracted some westerners, although they are still a bit unfamiliar with the form.

A British Tourist said, "My only understanding is that it is very colorful, very different from the operas in Britain and Italy."

Monday's performance is part of a month-long Guangdong Opera Art Festival in Foshan City. Organizers hope they can draw more public attention to this traditional art form.

(CCTV.com September 9, 2004)