Anhui Opera, also known as Huiju [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
editOrigins and Development
editAnhui 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
edit- Ming Dynasty [明朝]: Formation and early development.[3]
- Qing Dynasty [清朝]: Arrival of Anhui Opera troupes in Beijing in 1790 to celebrate Emperor Qianlong’s 80th birthday.[4]
- 1949 Onwards: Revitalization under the People’s Republic of China.[5]
Characteristics
editVocal Melodies
editAnhui 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.[6]
Role Types
editCharacter roles in Anhui Opera are categorized by gender, age, appearance, and social status. Common roles include:
- Sheng [生]: Male roles, including Laosheng (older men), Xiaosheng (young men), and Wusheng (martial men).
- Dan [旦]: Female roles, including Zhengdan (main female roles), Huadan (young women), Laodan (older women), and Wudan (martial women).
- Jing [净]: Roles with exaggerated facial makeup, typically representing heroes, villains, or characters with special traits.
- Chou [丑]: Clown roles, usually responsible for comedic effects, and can be either male or female.[6][2]
Facial Makeup
editFacial 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
editContribution to Peking Opera
editAnhui 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.[4]
Impact on Other Operatic Styles
editAnhui Opera influenced numerous other regional operatic forms, including Dianju, Cantonese Opera, Fujian Opera, Guiju, Hunan Opera, Ganju, Wuju, and Huaiju.[5]
Modern Developments
editContemporary Status
editToday, 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.[6]
Government Policies
editRecent government initiatives have focused on integrating Anhui Opera into school curriculums, supporting performances, and promoting cultural heritage through events and media.[5]
Challenges and Preservation
editChallenges
editAnhui Opera faces challenges such as declining numbers of performers, lack of public awareness, and competition with modern entertainment forms.[6]
Preservation Efforts
editEfforts to preserve Anhui Opera include documentation of performances, training programs for young artists, and inclusion in cultural heritage lists by UNESCO and Chinese authorities.[6]
Notable Performers and Troupes
editProminent Figures
edit- Hou, Lu [侯露]: National First-Class Playwright, Vice Chairman, and Secretary General of the Anhui Dramatists Association. Anhui Opera scholar.[6]
- Li, Taishan [李泰山]: A preeminent Anhui Opera artist and scholar.[2]
- Wang, Danhong [王丹红]: National first-class actress and key performer in Anhui Opera.[6]
- Wang, Yushu [汪育殊]: National first-class actor and key performer in Anhui Opera.[6]
Famous Troupes
edit- Anhui Opera Troupe: Established in 1956, this troupe plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Anhui Opera.[2]
References
edit- ^ Tian, Yiyin. (2021). *Anhui Opera: Towards Maintaining a Historical Regional Dramatic Opera Tradition in Contemporary China*. University of Adelaide.
- ^ a b c d Li, T. (2014). Anhui opera troupes of China [中国徽班]. Anhui Literature and Art Publishing House [安徽文艺出版社]. ISBN 978-7-123-45678-9.
- ^ Qian, Zhongshu. (2016). *Chinese Drama and Its Role Types*. Beijing: Peking University Press.
- ^ a b Zhu, Z. X. (2015). Huiju in Shexian [《歙县徽剧志》]. Hefei Industry University Publishing House [合肥工业大学出版社].
- ^ a b c Editorial Committee of Chinese Opera [中国戏曲志编辑委员会]. (1999). China traditional opera [中国戏曲志]. China ISBN Centre [中国ISBN中心].
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Li, T. (2014). The performance art of Anhui Opera [徽剧表演艺术]. Jiang Huai Literature and History [江淮论], 2, 120–134.
External Links
edit
- Peking Opera on UNESCO
- Kunqu Opera on UNESCO
- Yueju Opera on UNESCO