And in these plays, Mao Weitao finds a higher, better scope for her abilities. In “Bookworm Family”, she is cast as Fan Rong, an unflinching protector of his family’s book collection, though facing starvation. In “Cold Feeling”, Mao takes on the role of Jin Ke, a historic hero who attempts to assassinate the invading emperor but fails.

Guo Xiaonan said, “Mao’s performance in each of the plays is unique. By “unique”, I mean she never repeats herself. And no other actresses can imitate her."

For opera purists, Mao’s “rebellious” attempts peaked in the 2000 play “Kong Yiji.” She shaved her head to get into character for the destitute scholar in the Qing Dynasty whose bitter life mirrors the decadent old society.

For a time, her bald head generated even more publicity than the biting realistic play itself.

Mao Weitao said, “It was actually not necessary for me to cut my hair. It can be done with modern cosmetology techniques. It’s done in most films and TV dramas, and no one would blame me. But I wanted an overthrow, a revolution. Through Kong Yiji, I intended to prove to everybody that Shaoxing Opera has other possibilities."

"Kong Yiji” has drawn mixed reviews. While many hail it a successful revolution, others blast it a devastating departure from what Shaoxing Opera originally promised its fans: poetry, romance and elegance.

But Mao Weitao is not to be held back in her exploration of Shaoxing Opera, where a mysterious part of her inner self has found a home.

A woman who plays Xiaosheng knows all about seeming contradictions.

Mao Weitao said, “I define myself as a pessimistic idealist. The ‘pessimistic’ part of me holds a low expectation for success. But the ‘idealist’ part of me drives me to try something that seems impossible. Whatever the critics would say, I just feel released after each attempt.”