Scattered throughout China's remote mountain villages are the possessors of stunning crafts, which can't be found outside their ancestral land. Although considered "living fossils" by historians, they're rarely treated like the artists they are. But Yunnan's First Folk Cultural Fair in Chuxiong has changed all this.
For nearly fifty years, sixty-two-year-old Guo Youzhen has been singing "Meige", the epic poem of the Yi people. Her unmistakable voice has brought her an occasional film appearance. But for the most part, her voice remains confined to the mountains.
Guo Youzhen, a folk artist, said, "Even children in our villages have refused to learn my 'Meige.' They like popular songs, because they're something everybody can sing and understand. 'Meige' is nothing to them because they don't understand it. What a pity!"
Guo was invited to perform at the fair. Although singing for a mere five minutes, for Guo it was a wish fulfilled.
On the same stage was Li Fuxiang, who, in the 50s, performed before the late Premier Zhou Enlai, who dubbed him the "Prince of Strings."
Visitors also got to see the sources from which the acclaimed dancer and choreographer Yang Liping drew inspiration for her production "Dynamic Yunnan."
320 folk artists from 17 ethnic groups brought their best to the fair. It's the first time Yunnan Province has gathered all its folk artists, and they hope it's just the beginning.
(CCTV.com August 16, 2004)
