CHINA-SHANGHAI-PINGSHU PERFORMANCE THEATRE-STORYTELLING-BUSINESS DECLINE

SHANGHAI, March 20, 2012 (Xinhua) -- A chair vendor makes his way past the now empty and desolate Xiasha Theatre, which was closed in September 2011, in Hangtou Township of Pudong District, east China's Shanghai Municipality, March 20, 2012.

Established in the early 20th century, Xiasha Theatre used to be an afternoon social saloon for the elderly residents around Xiasha Street, a historical neighbourhood in Hangtou Township. It was an ideal place for one who wished to enjoy Pingshu, or storytelling performances. For a time, visitors could immerse themselves in stories at a very low cost: 2.5 yuan (about 0.4 U.S. dollar) per person for a whole afternoon's performance.

That was before September 2011, when Xiasha Theatre was shut down due to soaring operating costs. "I could barely pay the storytellers with the revenues obtained from the original 2.5-yuan-per-person admission fees, after the rent and beverage costs were deducted," said Zhou Yufang, who took over the theatre eighteen years ago.

"I'm particularly sorry for those customers who came here almost every day," said Ms. Zhou. "But this time the business has really come to an end." (Xinhua/Pei Xin)