For Zhang, nowhere else in China would have given him the inspiration to try such a daunting task. He says he is deeply influenced by his home city's rapid change, its dynamism and the widely celebrated can-do spirit. The fashion in Shanghai is almost synchronous with that of London and Tokyo, he says, and the tremendous recent progress of musical plays and modern drama in Shanghai has also given him new confidence to try out new forms of expression for Kunqu Opera in order to boost its popularity.
"In Shanghai you have the feeling that everything is possible," says Zhang, himself a perfect example of the blend of modern and traditional, his trendy attire and hairstyle a sharp contrast to the general impression of a Kunqu artist on stage. "It's a paradise for adventurers, where you can realize your dreams. The city has a mesmerizing power which attracts people to follow its beat."
Contrary to common belief, Peking Opera as a genre was named first in Shanghai, says Shang Changrong, the famous opera star from the Shanghai Peking Opera Troupe. Shang's Shanghai adventure dates back 20 years when he left Xi'an aged 48, with a new script and a desire to launch an innovative performance of Peking Opera.
He instinctively chose Shanghai. With its access to Western culture and a relatively more open market economy, the city readily endorsed Shang's experiment of highlighting characters and stage settings.
"The greatest feature of Peking Opera is its openness to different cultural elements." Shang says. "Shanghai is more tolerant in this regard. It is open for change and is always looking for cultural diversity. I owe my success to the city."
In many people's minds, Shanghai is a name that bears a nostalgic touch. Today, nothing is lost in the charm of the city despite the mind-boggling changes that have taken place. Shanghai-based Dragon TV host Cao Kefan puts it like this: Shanghai is the right place for legends.
By Qian Yanfeng
Editor: Dong Jirong
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