The main roles in Chuju are played by the xiaodan (a young woman), xiaosheng (a handsome young man or scholar) and xiaochou (a comedian).

"Of the 17 singers in the troupe, 16 are husbands and wives," said Du Wenhua, 39, head of the troupe.

"All the 16 met each other here and later got married," Du said.

"As couples, we enjoy the opera together and look out for one another as we move from place to place."

On the move

However, these couples become misty-eyed when talking about their children, from whom they live separated nine months in a year.

"My two children stay with their grandparents because we have no time to take care of them. Sometimes when singing about family and children on stage, I cannot hold back my tears," said Zhang Jianqin.

Chang Guizhen, 39, is the only singer whose husband does not work with the troupe.

Chang Guizhen, 39, has worked with the troupe for 20 years.

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