Exploration of the Ways to Conserve and Improve Caidiao Opera Popularity among the New Generation

Abstract

This qualitative investigation examines the development of Caidiao opera and methods for increasing the popularity of Caidiao opera among the youth of Guilin, China. Data was collected from documents and field study from 2019 to 2020. Five informants from Guilin City, Guangxi Province acted as key data providers for the investigation. Results show that Caidiao opera was listed as part of the first batch of cultural products on the Chinese national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006. Despite this, the traditional performing art is disappearing. Audiences under the age of 50 are unfamiliar with Caidiao and lack both interest and appreciation. The number of the audience members has naturally declined as the audience members age and are not replaced by younger fans. This cycle has contributed significantly to the decline of Caidiao opera. There is an urgent need to promote intangible cultural heritage among the youth of Guilin. This paper explores some ways that might be achieved.