Editor's Note:
For the last 16 years, Guo Jiafu, has dedicated himself to Jin Opera, a traditional opera form native to North China’s Shanxi Province. However, his journey to fulfill his dreams of performing Dan, or female roles performed by men, on the country’s most famous stages has been a bittersweet one. Though audiences cheer his talent and skill, offstage the 29-year-old actor is often met with disapproval and prejudice, even from those closest to him.
Guo Jiafu was born and raised in rural Shanxi Province. Ever since he moved to the provincial capital of Taiyuan two years ago, Guo has lived in a 5-square meter apartment and struggled to make ends meet. Fortunately, Guo’ s landlord is a huge Jin Opera fan and knocks off 40 yuan ($6.44) from his 260-yuan ($41.86) rent to show his support for this traditional art.Jin Opera is a style of Shanxi Bangzi, characterized by an energetic singing style and use of wooden clappers as accompaniment. 
Dan roles demand that male performers think from a female perspective on stage. He also brings this perspective to his personal life. For instance, Guo has kept a doll he won in a competition at his bedside for more than five years. Guo is fully aware that such feminine behavior may lead to misunderstandings, but says that is unavoidable for a Jin Opera performer such as him. 
Guo’s 16 years of hard work are manifest in his every gesture and facial expression. 
Skin care is not much of an issue for Guo Jiafu. It only takes him five minutes and two wet wipes to remove the thick theatrical makeup he puts on for every show. 
Facial hair is an obstacle for Dan actors, Guo said. Instead of shaving with a razor, Guo tweezes his hairs. But no matter how painful it may be, Guo insists it prevents them from growing back fast. 
Even though Guo plays female characters on the stage, he never wears fake breasts. “I’m not a transgender, not at all, I have my own standards for art,” Guo said. 
Guo sees himself as an artist. Others, however, do not share his view. Guo explained he’s been called unpleasant words such as “pansy” and “tranny.” But Guo admits what shames him most deeply is the embarrassment he brings to his family. He explained once his father was asked by a colleague, “Why does your son dress like that?” 
Guo wears a size 43 women’s shoes for his performances. He is not afraid to show his shoes to those curious about them. “Well, I bought the shoes online. They’re a little bit tight.” 
Guo understands that people are curious about his career, but he does not enjoy the feeling of being stared at as if he is some kind of “weirdo”. He yearns to live a normal life, to fall in love with someone, to marry and pursue his career. 
As Guo made a name for himself as a Dan actor in Shanxi, people started to hire him to perform at weddings. He has gradually turned this into a steady source of income.
Performers come to Shanxi from all over the country in the hopes of making a career. Together, they know a bitterness that only they share. 
Guo puts on his makeup at least one hour before show time, even for 15-minute performances. 
Guo waves goodbye to an audience after the show as he heads to his next performance. 
Guo heads for a rest after a performance. He’s carrying “water sleeves,” or lengths of silk attached to the cuffs of his costume he uses to create graceful, flowing movements. Though the silk is light, it takes a lot of strength to wave them with skill. 
Guo always dreamed of performing on a renowned Jin Opera stage. But as he approaches 30, he faces the dilemma of pursuing that dream or hunting for a job to pay the bills.
