Organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture, the first State Project of Stage Art Masterpieces has begun to choose the best 10 operas in China. With more than 170 contestants in competition, a Sichuan opera, "Jinzi", adapted from a play by the Chinese literary giant Cao Yu, is now finding its way to distinction.
So far, the Sichuan opera "Jinzi" has been listed among the best 30 operas by the judges. Aside from improvements in stage design and music, the cast of "Jinzi" have made more changes on the script and added a love song full of Sichuan flavor to the last scene. Sichuan opera "Jinzi" is also likely to be on show during the "2003 French Cultural Year", which is to be held in China beginning this October.
The audience will also have a chance to participate in the selection process. Each opera will be marked by professionals, audience and artistic departments. For each competing opera, 200 evaluation forms will be handed out to the audience. The committee will finish its selection in mid－October this year and the results will be announced in early November. The best 10 operas will be on show during China's traditional Spring Festival next year.
(CCTV.com August 11, 2003)
