Questionnaire

Research purpose:

1.To understand the development and artistic features of traditional Bangzi Opera.
2.To learn about the efforts of Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company in promoting and developing traditional drama.
3.To explore the challenges faced by traditional opera troupes and their innovative transformations.
4.To understand the general public’s perception of traditional opera.

Research methods:

1.Literature Review: To search for and compile relevant materials and images on the development history and performance features of traditional Bangzi Opera.
2.Interviews: To interview experts and scholars, exploring the sustainable development of traditional opera by the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts and the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company.
3.Site Visits: To observe and appreciate the artistic beauty of Bangzi Opera, including performance movements, costumes, facial makeup, instruments, and props.
4.Questionnaire Survey: To conduct a survey exploring the general public’s views and understanding of traditional opera.

To explore the general public's views and understanding of traditional opera, a questionnaire survey was conducted. After gathering the responses, the data was compiled and analyzed to better understand the public’s willingness to watch traditional opera and the reasons behind it. The findings will serve as a valuable reference for this study. The survey was conducted on Wednesday afternoons at the MRT station near our school, where the questionnaires were distributed. A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed, all of which were returned, resulting in a 100% response rate. Below are the charts and analysis of the survey results:

【Basic information】 (number of subjects)

1. Gender: Male (65) Female (51)

2. Age: 18~29 (23) 30~39 (35) 40~49 (25) above 50 (17)

3. Education: elementary school (0) junior high school (6) senior high school (45) university (53) graduate school (12)

4. agriculture (0) military, government employees and teachers (26) manufacturing industry (17) commerce (23) service industry (31) housekeeper (8) Others (11)

Questionnaire analysis

1.Have you ever attended a traditional opera performance (e.g., Jingju, Taiwanese glove puppetry, Taiwanese opera)?

Have you ever attended a traditional opera performance (e.g., Jingju, Taiwanese glove puppetry, Taiwanese opera)

Analysis:  Based on the survey data, more than half of the respondents had attended a traditional opera performance. The majority of attendees were aged 40 and above, while those under 30 rarely attended. This trend can be attributed to the fact that, in the past, leisure activities were not as diverse, and 3C technology and multimedia were underdeveloped. During that era, watching traditional opera was a mainstream form of entertainment. As a result, watching traditional opera became the mainstream form of entertainment in the earlier era. As a result, the majority of people who have attended traditional opera performances are more than aged 30 individuals.

2.Do you know or have you ever heard of Bangzi Opera?

Do you know or have you ever heard of Bangzi Opera?

Analysis:  According to the survey, the vast majority of respondents were unfamiliar with Bangzi Opera. Among those who had heard of it, most were aged 50 and above, while younger individuals, particularly those under 50, were largely unaware. This lack of awareness may stem from the limited promotion of Bangzi Opera in schools and online media in the past, coupled with the increased availability of diverse leisure activities today. With the rise of 3C technology, leisure activities have greatly increased, especially as 3C technology has become the mainstream form of entertainment for younger generations. This makes younger generations are less exposed to traditional opera, and awareness of Bangzi Opera is more prevalent among older age groups.

3.If you had the opportunity to attend a traditional opera performance, where would you prefer to watch it? (Multiple choices allowed)

If you had the opportunity to attend a traditional opera performance, where would you prefer to watch it?

Analysis:  The survey results indicate that the public’s priority when choosing a venue for traditional opera performances is as follows: community centers, schools, parks, temple plazas, performance halls, and television. This suggests that people prefer performances to be conveniently located near their homes, and they also wish to enjoy these performances with their families in a live setting.

4.What are the reasons you rarely attend traditional opera performances? (Multiple choices allowed)

What are the reasons you rarely attend traditional opera performances?

Analysis:  The survey data reveals that the main reasons for rarely attending traditional opera performances are ranked as follows: monotonous content, difficulty understanding the content, lack of interest, distant venues, lack of time, and insufficient performance information. These reasons reflect a lack of exposure to and understanding of traditional opera among younger generation. As modern education rarely includes traditional opera in curricula and the younger generation finds it less engaging, these factors make traditional opera less appealing.

5.How do you usually get information about traditional opera performances? (Multiple choices allowed)

How do you usually get information about traditional opera performances?

Analysis:  According to the survey, the main sources from which the public learns about traditional opera performances are: mobile internet, television, recommendations from friends and family, performance posters, and newspapers/magazines. This trend is a reflection of today’s digital age, where most people rely on mobile devices and the internet for daily information, making it easier to access information about opera performances.

6.What factors would attract you to attend a traditional opera performance if given the opportunity? (Multiple choices allowed)

What factors would attract you to attend a traditional opera performance if given the opportunity?

Analysis:  The survey results indicate that the factors most likely to attract the public to traditional opera performances are ranked as follows: quality troupes, plots, splendid performance, parent-child children's opera, and free admission. People are drawn to high-quality performances, which can create captivating storylines and performances. Therefore, if there is a creative innovation in the script writing and story arrangement, such as contemporary drama, science fiction, adaptations of traditional stories, romantic love stories, or children's plays, these new themes will attract many audiences to attend. Furthermore, government should increase funding to support troupes and offer free performances admission for public. This could help expand the audience base and foster greater interest in traditional opera.

7.What aspects of traditional opera do you think could be improved? (Multiple choices allowed)

What aspects of traditional opera do you think could be improved?

Analysis:  According to the survey, areas in need of improvement in traditional opera, in order of priority, are: innovative performance content, innovative storylines, improving performance venue facilities, traditional opera promotion, marketing and promotion, and increasing the number of performance venues. These suggestions highlight that traditional opera’s slow-paced rhythms and classic themes, such as loyalty, filial piety, and virtue, may no longer resonate with modern audiences. Additionally, the lack of innovation in aspects like stage design, musical accompaniment, and lighting contributes to its declining appeal. Addressing these issues could help make traditional opera more attractive to contemporary audiences.

8.If given the chance to attend a traditional opera performance, would you make time for it?

If given the chance to attend a traditional opera performance, would you make time for it?

Analysis:  A significant majority of respondents indicated they would be willing to make time to attend traditional opera performances. This suggests that if traditional opera adapts to contemporary trends and deliver a performance which enriches the audience's visual and auditory experience —such as incorporating innovative storylines, modern music, faster-paced rhythms, and stunning stage designs—it could regain its appeal and attract audiences.

9.Would you be willing to purchase tickets to attend an opera in support of traditional opera and its inheritance?

Would you be willing to purchase tickets to attend an opera in support of traditional opera and its inheritance?

Analysis:  The majority of respondents expressed a willingness to purchase tickets to attend traditional opera performances. This reflects their desire to support the continued inheritance and development of traditional opera culture and to provide performers with opportunities to showcase their talents. Therefore, purchasing tickets to watch a traditional opera performance and enjoying a high-quality show together is the best way to support traditional opera.

Afterthoughts

Through everyone's dedicated efforts during this period, we have successfully completed the task of conducting the questionnaire survey. The next crucial step is to organize and analyze the collected data. By statistically analyzing the questionnaire results and engaging in conversations with respondents during the survey process, we gained insights into their views and perceptions of traditional opera. Based on these findings, we have drawn the following conclusions about traditional opera:

1.With the advancement of 3C technology and the development of the internet, entertainment options have become increasingly diversified. As a result, watching traditional opera is no longer the primary choice for modern people's leisure and entertainment. This shift has significantly impacted the popularity of traditional opera, as newer forms of entertainment gain more attention.

2.The rise of emerging popular cultures, including television, movies, and concerts, has led younger generations to favor home entertainment, such as watching TV, going to the cinema, or attending concerts. Consequently, the number of people attending traditional opera performances has gradually decreased. The changing times have contributed to younger generations’ disinterest in traditional opera, and fewer individuals are willing to carry on its legacy, leading to its gradual decline in the performance market.

3.Traditional opera is no longer the central form of leisure entertainment it once was. Most people now have limited exposure to traditional opera, resulting in a growing lack of understanding and a corresponding loss of interest. Furthermore, many traditional opera stories focus on historical themes such as loyalty, filial piety, and virtue—concepts that may not resonate with younger audiences. Additionally, the slower pacing of some plotlines fails to capture the attention of young people, who tend to prefer faster-paced and more dynamic content.。

Based on the findings above, we gain a clearer understanding of why traditional opera struggles to attract younger audiences. Therefore, we believe that to draw in more audiences, it is crucial to preserve the cultural essence of traditional opera while introducing innovative changes. For instance, integrating digital technology and modern theater elements—such as lavish stage designs, laser lighting, surround sound, and special effects—allow audiences to fully enjoy a visual and auditory performance. Additionally, incorporating Western instruments to diversify the music and creating faster-paced, contemporary performances with themes relevant to modern life can align with contemporary preference and then capture the attention of today’s audiences. Therefore, we hope that the centuries-old traditional opera culture will continue to be passed down in Taiwan, while also encouraging young audiences to enter the theater and leisurely experience the charm of traditional opera art.

Conducting a questionnaire survey.

Conducting a questionnaire survey.

Ask auntie to fill out the questionnaire at the store.

Ask auntie to fill out the questionnaire at the store.

Sorting out questionnaire data

Sorting out questionnaire data.

Conduct questionnaire statistics and analysis

Conduct questionnaire statistics and analysis.

Reference:

Statistical analysis of the research team.

Image Sources:

Photos taken by the research team.

Top