Jing Yueqing, head of Shizhangjia Farmers¡¯Qinqiang Troupe , is showing a worn boot donated by a working unit of Xining. (Photo from Xinhua)

Cheap makeup used by performers of the troupe. (Photo from Xinhua)

This is the shabby backstage of the troupe. (Photo from Xinhua)

A young member of the troupe Yang Mingcai is rehearsing on the stage. (Photo from Xinhua)

Performer Li Yangjun (the first on the left) is rehearsing with his partner.  (Photo from Xinhua)

Jing Yueqing, head of Shizhangjia Farmers¡¯ Qinqiang Troupe, is showing a head adornment funded by a local born individual businessman.  (Photo from Xinhua)

Wu Dianquan, as a martial role , is rehearsing on the stage.  (Photo from Xinhua)

Jing Yueqing , head of Shizhangjia Farmers¡¯ Qinqiang Troupe, is intercommunicating performing technique with an villager performer in a simple room.  (Photo from Xinhua)

QHNEWS -- It is found in a countryside cultural activity survey in Qinghai that the spontaneously organized troupes in countrysides are commonly facing a embarrassing situation to maintain themselves. Dozens of countryside troupes in Tianjiazhai Township and Danma Township of Huangzhong County, which all have a history of over a hundred years, have dismissed due to lacking of working fund. Conversely, the Farmers' Qinqiang Troupe of Shizhangjia, a village in Tianjiazhai Township, has been keeping prosperous in giving performances due to steady ties with the mass and its performers' enthusiasm.

Though they have no economic return upon their performances, the members of the troupe still contribute to their performances in challenges to maintain the countryside flavored art.

In recent years, the troupe insists to give at least 40 circles of performances annually in its own village and other villages miles away, entertaining farmers' leisure time and also gaining their favor. According to a survey, this Qinqiang troupe hardly obtains financial assistant. Properties ,costume and makeup materials are quite simple.The basic needs are met only with villagers' limited collections.  Editem (February 23, 2006  By Judy)