Cultural transmission of Shandong Laozi Opera : A study of challenges and strategies for preservation

Shandong Laozi Opera is a traditional regional dramatic form from Shandong province that serves as a vital carrier of the region's cultural heritage and linguistic identity. However, its survival is critically threatened by rapid urbanization, an aging practitioner base, and digital media competition—defined as the diversion of younger audiences' attention toward fast-paced, algorithm-driven online entertainment. This study aims to construct a sustainable preservation framework by investigating the opera's adaptability and transmission mechanisms. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative and qualitative data collected from Jinan, Qingdao, Zibo, and Liaocheng. A survey of 385 community members assessed public awareness, while in-depth interviews with 15 key informants (including veteran performers and cultural officials) provided expert insights. The study specifically examines the "worshipping the master" (Baishi) tradition—the formal, ritualized apprenticeship system essential for maintaining artistic lineage and quality. The findings identify three core challenges: (1) the erosion of traditional performance spaces due to urban redevelopment; (2) the disruption of oral transmission chains as the Baishi system weakens; and (3) the marginalization of regional dialects. Conversely, the study validates key revitalization strategies, including the digital archiving of repertoires, the integration of opera into school curricula, and the development of cultural tourism products. Ultimately, this research contributes a novel preservation model that harmonizes the strictness of traditional apprenticeship with the reach of modern digital technology to ensure the opera's longevity