Mao Weitao, a prominent figure in Yue Opera, is dedicated to revitalizing this traditional Chinese art form and elevating its global status to that of Broadway.

Known for its lyrical storytelling and artistic elegance, Yue Opera hails from Zhejiang Province and has been a beloved cultural treasure in China for centuries.

Mao, an acclaimed performer known for her interpretation of the xiaosheng (young male) role, gained widespread recognition for her performance in _The Butterfly Lovers_, which has drawn parallels to Shakespeare's _Romeo and Juliet_.

Under her leadership at the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Theatre, Mao introduced the "Butterfly Theater" model, effectively integrating theater companies, venues, and operational strategies to rejuvenate the traditional performing arts.

Amidst growing competition from film and digital media, Mao is committed to preserving the essence of Yue Opera while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.

Mao's recent work, _New Dragon Gate Inn_, which debuted in 2023, has sparked significant interest and a surge in theater attendance, demonstrating the potential of Yue Opera to resonate with younger generations.

The production, which has been performed over 300 times with tickets selling out swiftly, has successfully blended traditional elements with modern storytelling.

Characters such as Jin Xiangyu, who embodies a contemporary spirit, have connected with audiences, showcasing the evolving nature of Yue Opera.

Despite facing challenges in securing funding, Mao demonstrated her commitment to the project by taking out a personal loan, underscoring her belief in the vision of a revitalized Yue Opera.

Her dedication paid off, leading to not only a successful run of the production but also a renewed interest in the art form itself.

Mao places great emphasis on maintaining the cultural integrity of Yue Opera while allowing for innovation.

She advocates for the preservation of the traditional freehand style of performance, using minimalistic stage design as a hallmark of Yue Opera's aesthetics.

Language plays a crucial role as well, with Mao emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Zhejiang dialect, which she sees as foundational to the identity of Yue Opera.

Moreover, she underscores the significance of the all-female cast that characterizes Yue Opera, asserting that while experimental mixed-gender performances can contribute to the genre, the core identity of female representation must remain intact.

This approach aims to safeguard the distinct elements that differentiate Yue Opera from other Chinese opera styles.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Mao is committed to fostering cultural exchange by engaging Yue Opera with various global theatrical traditions.

Since 2004, she has spearheaded adaptations of works from diverse cultures, bridging East and West through theater.

Notably, her adaptations include Junichiro Tanizaki's _A Portrait of Shunkin_ and a unique reinterpretation of Bertolt Brecht's works, which highlight the dialogic potential between Chinese and Western cultures.

Mao's initiatives extend to nurturing new talent within the art form and establishing Yue Opera as a cultural intellectual property.

She is leading the Gu Xidong Xiqu Art Festival in Xitang, Zhejiang Province, to honor the legacy of her mentor, a pioneer in Yue Opera.

The festival aims to highlight classical works while boosting cultural tourism in the region, leveraging the scenic charm of Jiangnan.

Mao Weitao's vision for Yue Opera encompasses a blend of tradition and innovation, aspiring to establish the art form as a significant global cultural voice that reflects a shared human experience.

By promoting Yue Opera through various avenues, she aims to solidify its status as a competitive and culturally rich genre on the international stage.