The idea of crossing boundaries, of mixing media, of fusing Eastern and Western forms, of bringing traditional arts in the 21st century, have all become cliches of the modern performing arts. Critics are inclined to say that what emerges is simply a hodgepodge, that by trying to be everything, it ends up being nothing. Wu, in mixing up various styles of opera, and even bringing in pop and hip-hop musical elements in his new show, believes that he manages to remain true to the essence of Chinese opera.
Commenting specifically on the mix of various opera styles, Chang said: "Let's look at American music, the period when jazz was developing. I think that what Wu is doing with Chinese opera is similar to the situation of when jazz was emerging. All sorts of music, such as gospel, soul, blues were mixed up together. This is the same sort of thing."
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