Top 8 Chinese Traditional Operas
Chinese traditional operas, also known as “Xi” (戏) in Chinese, are an integral part of Chinese culture and have a long history dating back over a thousand years. These operas are popular in various regions of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong. Chinese traditional operas typically depict historical events, folklore, and classical literature, and often involve elaborate costumes, makeup, and stage design. In this blog post, we will introduce the top ten Chinese traditional operas and give a brief overview of their histories, characteristics, and notable plays.
- Peking Opera (京剧)
Peking Opera, also known as “Jingju” (京剧) in Chinese, is one of the most well-known and prestigious forms of Chinese traditional opera. It originated in the late 18th century in the capital city of Beijing and combines music, singing, dialogue, and martial arts. Peking Opera is known for its elaborate costumes and stage design, as well as its use of vocal and instrumental music to convey emotions and plot developments.
Some famous Peking Opera plays include “The Drunken Beauty” (醉美人), which tells the story of the ancient Chinese beauty, Xi Shi, and “Farewell My Concubine” (霸王别姬), which is based on the life of the historical figure, Ying Baochai.
- Kunqu Opera (昆曲)
Kunqu Opera, also known as “Kunju” (昆剧) in Chinese, is one of the oldest and most refined forms of Chinese traditional opera. It originated in the 16th century in the Wu region of China and is known for its elegant music and lyrics, as well as its sophisticated acting and stage techniques. Kunqu Opera places a strong emphasis on poetic and musical expression, and the lyrics are often written in classical Chinese.
Some famous Kunqu Opera plays include “The Peony Pavilion” (牡丹亭), which tells the story of a young scholar’s love for a spirit, and “The Jade Hairpin” (玉簪记), which is based on the romantic exploits of the historical figure, Pan Jinlian.
- Yue Opera (越剧)
Yue Opera, also known as “Yueju” (越剧) in Chinese, is a form of Chinese traditional opera that originated in the Zhejiang province in the 19th century. It is known for its energetic and acrobatic fighting scenes, as well as its colorful costumes and stage design. Yue Opera also incorporates elements of local folk music and dance, and the lyrics are often written in the local dialect.
Some famous Yue Opera plays include “The Butterfly Lovers” (梁祝), which tells the story of a tragic romance between a man and a woman who are transformed into butterflies, and “The Legend of the White Snake” (白蛇传), which is based on a Chinese folklore about a white snake spirit who falls in love with a human.
- Sichuan Opera (川剧)
Sichuan Opera, also known as “Chuanju” (川剧) in Chinese, is a form of Chinese traditional opera that originated in the Sichuan province in the 19th century. It is known for its use of exaggerated facial expressions and makeup, as well as its acrobatic stunts and comical plots. Sichuan Opera also incorporates elements of local music and dance, and the lyrics are often written in the local dialect.
Some famous Sichuan Opera plays include “The Orphan of Zhao” (赵氏孤儿), which is a revenge tragedy based on a Chinese folklore, and “The Legend of the White Snake” (白蛇传), which is a romantic tale about a white snake spirit who falls in love with a human.
Sichuan Opera is a popular form of entertainment in the Sichuan province and is enjoyed by audiences of all ages. It is also a significant part of the local culture and is often performed at festivals and other special occasions. If you are visiting the Sichuan province, be sure to check out a performance of Sichuan Opera – it is a unique and entertaining experience that you will not want to miss.
- Henan Opera (河南剧)
Henan Opera, also known as “Henanju” (河南剧) in Chinese, is a form of Chinese traditional opera that originated in the Henan province in the 19th century. It is known for its strong and melodious singing style, as well as its realistic portrayal of historical events and everyday life. Henan Opera also incorporates elements of local music and dance, and the lyrics are often written in the local dialect.
Some famous Henan Opera plays include “The Story of the Western Wing” (西厢记), which is a classic love story about a young scholar and a courtesan, and “The Injustice to Dou E” (窦娥冤), which tells the tale of a wrongly accused woman who seeks justice from beyond the grave.
- Cantonese Opera (粤剧)
Cantonese Opera, also known as “Yueju” (粤剧) in Chinese, is a form of Chinese traditional opera that originated in the Guangdong province in the 19th century. It is known for its beautiful melodies and elaborate costumes, as well as its use of intricate hand gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions. Cantonese Opera also incorporates elements of local music and dance, and the lyrics are often written in the local dialect.
Some famous Cantonese Opera plays include “The Palace of Eternal Youth” (长生殿), which is a fantasy about a young woman who enters a magical palace and becomes immortal, and “The Lute” (琵琶记), which tells the story of a young lute player who falls in love with a princess.
- Hubei Opera (湖北剧)
Hubei Opera, also known as “Hubeiju” (湖北剧) in Chinese, is a form of Chinese traditional opera that originated in the Hubei province in the 19th century. It is known for its mellow and graceful singing style, as well as its use of exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to convey emotions. Hubei Opera also incorporates elements of local music and dance, and the lyrics are often written in the local dialect.
Some famous Hubei Opera plays include “The Palace of Tranquil Longevity” (平生殿), which is a romantic tragedy about a young woman who is forced to marry against her will, and “The Jade Hairpin” (玉簪记), which is based on the romantic exploits of the historical figure, Pan Jinlian.
- Ping Opera (平剧)
Ping Opera, also known as “Pingju” (平剧) in Chinese, is a form of Chinese traditional opera that originated in the Shandong province in the 19th century. It is known for its simple and rustic style, as well as its use of everyday language and humor in the lyrics. Ping Opera also incorporates elements of local music and dance, and the lyrics are often written in the local dialect.
Some famous Ping Opera plays include “The Story of the Western Wing” (西厢记), which is a classic love story about a young scholar and a courtesan, and “The Lute” (琵琶记), which tells the story of a young lute player who falls in love with a princess.
Conclusion
Chinese traditional operas are a rich and diverse art form that showcase the cultural and historical traditions of China. From the refined and elegant Kunqu Opera to the energetic and acrobatic Sichuan Opera, each form of Chinese traditional opera has its own unique style and characteristics. We hope this blog post has introduced you to some of the top ten Chinese traditional operas and encouraged you to learn more about this important aspect of Chinese culture. If you have the opportunity, we highly recommend attending a performance of a Chinese traditional opera – it is a truly unforgettable experience.