Hui opera
| Hui opera | |
|---|---|
 An old opera stage in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi, where Hui opera is popular. | |
| Native name | 徽剧 |
| Etymology | Huizhou |
| Other names | Huiju |
| Cultural origins | Southern Anhui |
| Derivative forms | Beijing opera |
| Other topics | |
| Chinese opera | |
Anhui Opera (徽剧) is a traditional Chinese opera form that originated in Anhui Province during the Ming Dynasty. It is a crucial part of Huizhou culture and significantly contributed to the development of Peking Opera.[1]
History
Origins and Development
Anhui Opera originated in the southern part of Anhui Province, particularly in Huizhou (now Huangshan City), and Anqing during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It spread widely across China, influencing the formation of more than fifty other operatic styles, including Peking Opera.[2]
Significant Historical Milestones
Ming Dynasty: Formation and early development.
Qing Dynasty: Arrival of Anhui Opera troupes in Beijing in 1790 to celebrate Emperor Qianlong’s 80th birthday.
1949 Onwards: Revitalization under the People’s Republic of China.[3]
Characteristics
Vocal Melodies
Anhui Opera is known for its diverse vocal tunes, including the Miscellaneous Tune, Huichi Elegant Tune, Huikun Tune, Siping Tune, Chuiqiang Tune, Bozi Tune, and Erhuang Tune. These tunes are performed with various traditional Chinese musical instruments.[4]
Role Types
Character roles in Anhui Opera are categorized by gender, age, appearance, and social status. Common roles include Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted face), and Chou (clown).[5]
Facial Makeup
Facial makeup in Anhui Opera is highly stylized, using vivid colors to represent different characters and emotions. The makeup helps to emphasize the character's personality and role within the story.[6]
Influence
Contribution to Peking Opera
Anhui Opera played a pivotal role in the development of Peking Opera. The integration of Anhui Opera’s melodies and performance styles significantly shaped the formation of this quintessential Chinese opera form.[7]
Impact on Other Operatic Styles
Anhui Opera influenced numerous other regional operatic forms, including Dianju, Cantonese Opera, Fujian Opera, Guiju, Hunan Opera, Ganju, Wuju, and Huaiju.[8]
Modern Developments
Contemporary Status
Today, Anhui Opera continues to be performed, with efforts to preserve and promote it through government policies and cultural initiatives. Educational programs and public performances are key strategies in maintaining this traditional art form.[9]
Government Policies
Recent government initiatives have focused on integrating Anhui Opera into school curriculums, supporting performances, and promoting cultural heritage through events and media.[10]
Challenges and Preservation
Challenges
Anhui Opera faces challenges such as declining numbers of performers, lack of public awareness, and competition with modern entertainment forms.[11]
Preservation Efforts
Efforts to preserve Anhui Opera include documentation of performances, training programs for young artists, and inclusion in cultural heritage lists by UNESCO and Chinese authorities.[12]
Notable Performers and Troupes
Prominent Figures
Hou, Lu: National First-Class Playwright, currently serving as the Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Anhui Dramatists Association. Anhui Opera scholar.
Li, Taishan: A preeminent Anhui Opera artist and scholar.
Wang, Danhong: A national first-class actress and key performer in Anhui Opera.
Wang, Yushu: A national first-class actor and key performer in Anhui Opera.
Famous Troupes
Anhui Opera Troupe: Established in 1956, this troupe plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Anhui Opera.
See also
References
- ^ Tian, Yiyin. (2021). Anhui Opera: Towards Maintaining a Historical Regional Dramatic Opera Tradition in Contemporary China. University of Adelaide.
- ^ Li, Taishan. (2014). Anhui Opera Troupes of China.
- ^ Huai, B. (2017). Cross-Gender China: The Revival of Nandan Performance in Jingju.
- ^ Li, Taishan. (2014). Anhui Opera Troupes of China.
- ^ Qian, Zhongshu. (2016). Chinese Drama and Its Role Types. Beijing: Peking University Press.
- ^ Huai, B. (2017). Cross-Gender China: The Revival of Nandan Performance in Jingju.
- ^ Wang, Guowei. (2012). The Influence of Regional Operas on Peking Opera. Shanghai: Shanghai Arts Press.
- ^ Tian, Yiyin. (2021). Anhui Opera: Towards Maintaining a Historical Regional Dramatic Opera Tradition in Contemporary China. University of Adelaide.
- ^ Zhang, Zhenyu. (2018). Modern Developments in Traditional Chinese Opera. Nanjing: Nanjing University Press.
- ^ Tian, Yiyin. (2021). Anhui Opera: Towards Maintaining a Historical Regional Dramatic Opera Tradition in Contemporary China. University of Adelaide.
- ^ Tian, Yiyin. (2021). Anhui Opera: Towards Maintaining a Historical Regional Dramatic Opera Tradition in Contemporary China. University of Adelaide.
- ^ Chen, Xiaohong. (2015). Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
External links
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