Fifty years later, several famous troupes were found and spread to the other regions near Shuyang rapidly.
However, the diversified means of cultural consumption and the impacts from TV programs, pop music, and internet have almost driven the opera into a blind alley.
Furthermore, the influence of Western culture has also left the younger generations impatient with the slow pacing of Huaihai opera.
[4] Like most of traditional Chinese theatres, a Huaihai opera performer requires a long and arduous apprenticeship beginning from an early age.
Before the 1940s, pupils were often handpicked at a young age by a tutor and trained for at least 5 years on contract from the child's parents.
In larger troupes, the pupils would be trained for Peking opera as well, which made the contract even longer.
Since the teacher fully provided for the pupil during this period, the student accrued a debt to his master that was later repaid through performance earnings.
[5] The accompaniment for a Huaihai opera performance includes an ensemble of melodic and percussion instruments.