During one night last winter, incenses were burning inside the dark corridor to the left of the stage in Qunzhong Cinema, in Shenyang. Pairs of young people were bowing devotedly to a doll dressed in a red hat and robe.

This is not a scene from a TV play, but a ceremony for some new performers of errenzhuan, a form of theater featuring two people in a performance that involves singing and dancing, as well as dialogue, that is popular in Northeast China.

"Every occupation has its own rule. For errenzhuan performers, it is neither Guangong nor God of Wealth, but the 'Big Brother' that we pray to," says 69-year-old errenzhuan performer Tong Erbao in a small room to the left of the stage. The theater is in Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Tong began to perform the popular art when he was 16, and used to be very famous in Northeast China. About 10 years ago, he left his beloved stage because of health reasons.

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