Sichuan opera
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sichuan opera or Chuanju (Chinese: 川剧 pinyin: chuānjù, Jyutping: cyun1 kek6) is a type of Chinese opera originating in the Sichuan province in China.[1] Today's Sichuan opera is the developed version, combining the 5 historic melodic styles. Regionally Chengdu remains to be the main home of Sichuan operas, while other influential participants include Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Hubei and Taiwan provinces.[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
Initially there were 5 distinct opera styles.[3] The history of each style varies greatly depending on which style is being mentioned.
At least one of the opera styles began as early as the Three Kingdoms period with some form of Canjun opera. During the Tang dynasty, a band of five came about in Chengdu. In the Song dynasty, the opera developed into Tsa-chu. In the Ming dynasty, the artists performed the skill in Jinling. During the reign of Yongzheng and Qianlong emperor in the Qing dynasty, in the Huabu areas, Kunqu, Yiyang, Bangzi and Pihuang melody merged with local languages, folk customs, ditties, yang-kos and Lantern theatre (Dengdiaos) in Sichuan.[2]
During the early 20th century, a revival movement began to reform the art. The most well known reformer was Kang Zhilin who lead the Sanqinq (Three Celebrations) Company. This company was one of the most notable opera troupe established in 1912, and combined the 5 styles into a single opera on the same stage.[3][2] Each style retained their own music. One of the classic skill devised by Kang Zhilin include a high kick that leaves a "third eye" in the middle of the forehead. This has remained to be one of Sichuan opera's trademark moves.[3]
During the Cultural Revolution, the art form suffered a bit. But it continued to flourish afterwards, especially since the 1978 Chinese economic reform.[2]
[edit] Performance
Overall the art form is well known for its singing, which is less constrained with that found in the more popular Beijing opera form. Sichuan opera is more like a play than other forms of Chinese opera, and acting is highly polished.The music accompanying Sichuan opera utilizes a small gong and an instrument called a Muqin, which is similar to the Erhu.[1]
The traditional formula is quite systematic with a combination of stunts like face-changing, tihuiyan, sword-hiding, fire-spitting and beard-changing with the plot and different characters.[2]
[edit] 5 styles
- Sichuan opera in Chengdu
- Problems playing the files? See media help.
- Gaoqiang (高/高)[4]
- Kunqiang (崑/昆)
- Huqing voice (鬍/胡)
- Tanxi (彈/彈)
- Dengdiao / Dengxi / Lantern theatre (燈/灯)
[edit] Costumes
Depending on the style, face paint is also limited compared to other related forms. Jing characters do not appear, and the only painted face characters are those with a small white patch in the middle of the face, which indicates a slightly evil character.[1] The face paint colors are traditionally limited to black, red, white and grey.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Halson, Elizabeth (1966). Peking Opera: A Short Guide. Hong Kong: Oxford University Press, 68-69.
- ^ a b c d e Chengdu China sichuan opera
- ^ a b c d Stanton, Sarah. Banham, Martin. [1996] (1996). The Cambridge Paperback Guide to Theatre. Cambridge press publishing. ISBN 0521446546
- ^ Ccnt chuanju five melodic styles
