00后剧团团长：让300年“拉魂腔”穿越时空

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Gong Jianqiang, a young inheritor of the traditional Suzhou opera, who is dedicated to preserving and innovating this nearly 300-year-old art form while addressing the challenges faced by traditional Chinese opera, particularly the aging audience and the need for younger performers [2][5]. Group 1: Background and Personal Journey - Gong Jianqiang, born in 2003, became involved with Suzhou opera at the age of 8 and has since grown into a key figure in the preservation of this intangible cultural heritage [2]. - He was inspired by a local performance and trained rigorously, often practicing in challenging conditions, which solidified his commitment to the art [3][4]. - By the age of 14, he was recognized as a county-level representative inheritor of the non-material cultural heritage and won a gold medal in a regional competition [4]. Group 2: Challenges and Innovations - The traditional opera faces significant challenges, including an aging audience and a lack of younger performers, prompting Gong to focus on training new talent [5]. - In 2021, he enrolled in a media program, which became pivotal for his innovative approach to preserving Suzhou opera [5]. - In 2023, he founded the "Bengbu City Yujilin Youth Suzhou Opera Troupe" with his savings to provide a platform for young actors [6]. Group 3: Digital Transformation and Outreach - Gong has recognized the potential of digital platforms, utilizing live streaming to reach a broader audience, with one performance attracting nearly 4,000 online viewers [6]. - He has also worked on digitizing scripts and recordings of nearly lost performances, aiming to preserve the art form for future generations [6][7]. - His efforts have led to a significant increase in viewership, with a cumulative audience of 500,000 for a recent live-streamed event [8]. Group 4: Artistic Development - Gong emphasizes the importance of artistic quality, refining makeup and costume design, and moving towards more relatable character portrayals in performances [7]. - His portrayal of characters has been noted for its emotional depth, contributing to a more engaging experience for audiences [7].