The People's Diva China Close Up

A night out at the opera.

But this is no ordinary show.

It is Xiao Ya, yueju artist and one of Shanghai's biggest stars.

SHE SINGS

Yueju is a lyrical opera.

Originating in south-east China, it features an all-female cast.

TRANSLATION:

Her mother's hopes were realised.

Xiao Ya won a place at the Shanghai Academy for Dramatic Arts.

Her stature and her voice were perfect for the role of Xiao Sheng,

the male hero.

She later joined a state troupe.

Her talent was spotted and soon, she was performing in famous venues and collecting awards.

She was well on her way to the top.

Yueju takes romantic folk tales and legends as its themes.

This is about a love-sick artist who, after many years,

returns to look for the maiden who once posed for him.

For Xiao Ya, playing roles like this required a dramatic change of personality.

Being different is her trademark.

Traditional opera is a niche market and Xiao Ya wanted more popular appeal.

At the state troupe, she developed her own style

and branched out into Western arias and pop songs.

Colleagues criticised her.

But to Xiao Ya, artistic freedom was crucial.

If the troupe wouldn't accept her, she'd start her own company.

And that is what she did.

Xiao Ya's decision to set up on her own was a bold step.

Xiao Ya commissions a handpicked team of people to put on her next production.

They're discussing their forthcoming regional tour.

But it's not that simple.

Government-backed troupes often get the pick of the venues and free publicity.

No such privileges for those outside the state system.

Xiao Ya and her agent have to seek out for opportunities to build up her profile.

HE SPEAKS CHINESE

Widening her repertoire.

Singing to student audiences.

Giving charity performances.

Now, Xiao Ya not only has a huge following,

she's won critical acclaim.

Being a top performer is not enough.

Xiao Ya has to be a businesswoman.

Recording CDs will help her voice reach more homes.

In modern Shanghai, survival is tough for traditional opera.

For independent artistes, even harder.

But Xiao Ya's belief in herself keeps driving her forward...

..at the cost of her personal life.

When China opened up in the '90s, like many youngsters,

Xiao Ya was mesmerised by the West,

and left for the United States.

She married an American Chinese and filled her days with shopping sprees

and mahjong sessions.

The novelty soon wore off.

Once again, Xiao Ya gave up security for the sake of her music.

SHE SINGS

Single again, she takes comfort in her close-knit family.

She dotes on her nephew, who's become her closest friend and fiercest critic.

HE RECITES LYRICS IN CHINESE:

THEY SING IN UNISON

Today, the troupe's setting off for Suzhou.

Suzhou will be a challenge.

In this city of culture, audience expectations are high.

While everyone prepares for the evening show...

GONG STRIKES

..Xiao Ya escapes for some peace and quiet.

ORCHESTRA TUNES UP

Backstage, dedicated fans come to wish Xiao Ya well.

They've travelled over two hours just to see her show.

The fans are mostly middle-aged and mostly women.

She needs to attract younger audiences.

One way is to use vibrant colours.

APPLAUSE

But keeping traditional audiences happy isn't enough.

Xiao Ya wants to take on the world.

ENTHUSIASTIC APPLAUSE AND CHEERS

CHATTERING

Suzhou was even more successful than they'd hoped.

A fine moment to celebrate the company's first anniversary.

SHE SINGS

Subtitles by Heather Middleton Red Bee Media

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