An old art in a new home: Beijing Opera in Los Angeles

For over two hundred years, Beijing Opera has been the essential expression of traditional Chinese culture. Audiences around the world have enjoyed its lavish blend of percussive music, colorful costumes, lyric poetry, painted faces and jaw‐dropping acrobatics. Yet, even in the face of worldwide appreciation, Beijing Opera is losing its audience at home. In an effort to preserve the unique musical style and heritage, the Chinese government has tried to revitalize Beijing Opera mostly through creative approaches to building a larger audience. Success, however, has remained elusive. Beijing Opera in Mainland China is in a downward spiral. Interestingly, however, it is also prospering in Los Angeles, California, at this precise time. ❧ Based in the San Gabriel Valley, where more than half the population is of Asian ancestry, hundreds of Chinese men and women have banded together during the last three decades of Chinese immigration to form amateur opera clubs dedicated to preserving and performing Beijing Opera. Through weekly club meetings, annual live performances, radio programs, and other innovative activities, professional Chinese opera artists and amateur opera enthusiasts come together to promote Beijing Opera to a wider audience. They share their passion for China's most sophisticated branch of musical drama. ❧ This thesis focuses on three individuals and artists who represent the past, present, and future of Beijing Opera in Los Angeles. With their help and support, an ancient Chinese tradition continues to live on—at least for the time being.