While the production innovates upon traditional opera with modern dramaturgy, the director says the most modern element of it is, in fact, the theme.

While traditional Chinese operas value the "five virtues" of an intellectual according to Confucianism-benevolence, loyalty, decorum, wisdom and credibility-the production focuses more on illustrating the protagonist's introspection and inner struggle.

For this year's festival, Hu worked on five projects at the same time, including a physical-theater production entitled Shige (Hymn to Disappearance) and a performance for the grand ceremony.

He was, therefore, under a great deal of pressure, but his love of the work and of theater saw him through.

"Today's young people like to express themselves through art forms that suit their expertise," he says.

"I chose to express myself through Kunqu Opera. This is something I enjoy and will continue to work on."