China News Service, Xi'an, November 16th, title: Kunqu Opera Dream of the Youth with Cerebral Palsy in Xi'an: Putting "Wings" in the Incomplete Life

　　Author Yang Yingqi Shi Furong

　　"Although my body is mutilated, I hope that my spiritual world will be enriched. Kunqu Opera has changed me and added'wings' to my impaired life." Guo Jiayuan, a 25-year-old young man with cerebral palsy, said frankly.

　　Guo Jiayuan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and was raised by his grandmother.

Under the influence of his grandmother, he developed a keen interest in opera.

In 2010, he saw the video of Mei Lanfang starring in "A Dream in the Garden" for the first time. The melody, heavy oil makeup, and exquisite costumes... The smile and graceful figure made him fascinated.

　　Guo Jiayuan's poor physical coordination due to his illness caused him to be hit repeatedly when he was looking for a job.

In order to survive, and out of great interest, Guo Jiayuan began to try to learn Kunqu opera and hope to live by it. With the help of the Internet platform, he started his own way of learning art.

In winter, Guo Jiayuan performed Kunqu opera outdoors.

Photo by Shi Furong

　　"Because of the lack of coordination of my limbs, many basic movements, such as cloud steps and sleeve swings, are difficult to practice. Learning a movement requires training for half a month to a month. Cramps and wrestling are common occurrences." Guo Jiayuan said that he used to practice Kunqu opera wrestling, which caused a wound on his head that has not yet healed.

　　After a long period of "housekeeping hard work", Guo Jiayuan finally plucked up the courage to try the road show. From no one to a small profit, Guo Jiayuan, who has gone through ups and downs, not only made a living by doing this, but also successfully passed the Kunqu opera level exam.

"The stage name I gave to myself was'Gongzi Qingyu', which means that through constant self-sculpting, it becomes a beautiful jade. And my life just fully proves this." Guo Jiayuan said.

　　"It turns out that the colorful flowers bloomed all over, and it seemed like this was all over the broken well." Guo Jiayuan muttered to himself as he chanted, his eyes were full of brilliance.

"In my opinion, Kunqu has the beauty of literature, music, dance and makeup." He told reporters that the more he understands Kunqu, the more he likes the words in it.

"I am also surprised that I can't read modern writing, but I feel very relaxed and easy when reading ancient poems and ancient words."

　　"'This flower is not compared with a bunch of flowers' is my favorite phrase. I realized my dream with my hard work. I also want to use my own experience to tell all disabled friends that although my body is disabled, our rich and colorful spiritual world can make up for my regrets. "The blueprint for Guo Jiayuan's future life is to open a Chinese opera studio. In addition to Kunqu Opera, he also plans to learn Peking Opera and other types of opera.

Guo Jiayuan hopes that more people can be infected with the charm of opera.

(over)