Driven by the imperatives of a changing society and the pressures of new technology, China's theatre is undergoing rapid transformation. The work of two leading Shanghai actors, Shang Changrong and Shi Yihong, reveals how jingju (Beijing Opera) navigates traditional conventions and emerging market challenges, negotiating a future for the art form.

Today's modern theatre in Beijing shows new talents and direc—tionsas well as problems that are part of the uncertainties of Chi-nese society—in what may be the most intriguing transitional period in Chinese history.