Ancient Opera in China

Yu Opera

Yu Opera，also called“Henan Clapper Opera”or“Henan High Tune”，is a major local opera in Henan Province and enioys nationwide popularity.There are four styles in Yu Opera:Xiangfu（from Xiangfu County），Yudong（East Henan），Yuxi（Western Henan）and Shahe（Shahe County）.It is noted for its skill-demanding melodies，fluent tune，strong rhythm and intensive use of spoken language.Its simple and plain performance as well as its strong local flavor，always provokes the applause of the audience.There are more than 600 traditional plays in the repertoire of Yu Opera.Famous performers are Chang Xiangyu，Chen Suzhen，Cui Lantian，Gao Jie，Wei Yuan and Ma Lin.

Ping Opera

Pingju dates from the end of Qing and the beginning of the Republican Era.It originated from a form of folk opera in Hebei，known as lianhualao and later absorbed singing and acting techniques from Hebei Clapper Opera，Beijing Opera，Luanzhou Shadow Plays and Leting Dagu，a kind of versenarrative sung to the accompaniment of a small drum and other instruments.Pingju is popular in Beijing，Tianjin，Hebei and Northeast China.Its tunes，dialogue and acting are deeply rooted from people’s life so that it is lively and easy to understand.

Sichuan Opera

Sichuan Opera has a strong realist tradition，its performance real and exquisite，witty and humorous.It employs artistic exaggerations，and special characters use stunts such as immortals who have a third eye on their forehead that they can open suddenly to show their magic power；quick changes of facial characteristics without makeup；jumping through burning hoops，and hiding of swords.In short，the essence of Sichuan Opera performance is absolutely true to life，which has been inherited by generations and generations of players.

hancheng

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