"A Village Teacher", a Chinese-language western-style opera was STAGED at the Central Academy of Drama Friday. The opera premiered in Beijing in 2009 and it has been regarded as the first realism opera produced by the National Center for Performing Arts. Now it has been put on stage at one of China's leading drama academies, featuring a group of college graduates.

These young artists on stage are the 2014 class of students from the Central Academy of Drama. They have been studying opera in the school for 4 years. What they are presenting is their graduation performance, a college version of the opera "A Village Teacher". The opera tells the touching story of a female teacher named Yang Caihong, who dedicates her life to education in a poverty-stricken mountainous region. It gives insights into peoples' emotional conflicts, and makes an in-depth study on ideals and reality, love and betrayal as well as sacrifice and dedication.

LIU LIBING, DIRECTOR "A VILLAGE TEACHER" "I think the most important thing is what our students can really learn from the story of Yang Caihong. How can they be inspired by the figure? Nowadays, we have many figures like Yang, who devote their lives to education from a young age. So besides the show itself, I think it is really important for them to study Yang's spirit, to understand the meaning of life."

SHI LEI HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OPERA PERFORMANCE CENTRAL ACADEMY OF DRAMA "As you know it is a Chinese-language western-style opera. This is one of the reasons we choose it. The story it tells is close to our daily life. So in this show, I hope our students can showcase what they have learned from the class. The show includes various vocal parts, so our students can choose the role they're skilled in."

Zhao Hanqing, who plays the leading role in the show, said she was deeply impressed by the story it tells.

ZHAO HANQING, SOPRANO STUDENT WHO PLAYS THE ROLE "YANG CAIHONG" "I think we young people should learn from the spirit of Yang. That is something we really lack. Her dedication, her pure and kind personality, as well as her perseverance really touched me."

Many students said they met a lot of challenges during the rehearsals, but they loved the show and enjoyed the time working with their classmates.

GAO YICHEN BASS BARITONE "The role I play in the show is an old villager. It is not easy for me as I have to learn the moves of an old man. But for me, this is a good opportunity to try a different character I don't often play."

GOU AN'LE TENOR "The role I play in the show is quite different from what I used to play, which is an ambitious man. It is really a big challenge for me. We have had good cooperation over the past 3 months, both with my classmates and my teachers. I wish they have a good future."

The team started working on the show from September this year. Teachers from the academy also helped produce the show and some of them even joined the orchestra.

LI YAXIAN TEACHER "I saw the efforts of my students over the 3 months. They did their best to play their roles. I'm one member of the orchestra. In the show, I communicate with my students through music. In every detail, our cooperation is perfect."

The show is one of the graduation performances of the school's 2014 class. Many said it was a good chance to show their achievements in performing opera. CGTN.