MUZI MUZIChinese Matrix

Yu Opera (Henan Opera)

Clapper beats from the Yellow River plain

Introduction

The bangzi opera of the Central Plains, plain-spoken and earthy in song

Yu opera, also called Henan bangzi, is a major member of the bangzi (clapper) family of Chinese opera, centred on Henan and performed by professional troupes in many other provinces. It is generally dated to the late Ming and early Qing, and by the Qianlong reign it was already an influential form in Henan, drawing on Kun, chuiqiang and pihuang tunes as well as local ballad singing. Its singing divides into regional styles such as Yudong, Yuxi, Xiangfu and Shahe, accompanied mainly by the banhu fiddle with the wooden clapper keeping time. Performers such as Chang Xiangyu, Chen Suzhen, Cui Lantian, Ma Jinfeng and Yan Lipin founded distinct schools.

Representative works

  1. Hua MulanYu opera adapted by Chen Xianzhang from the Peking opera Mulan Joins the Army, a signature role of Chang Xiangyu
  2. HongniangFrom The Romance of the Western Chamber: Chang Xiangyu's Hongniang, sung with eastern Henan tunes, made her famous
  3. Carrying the Bridal SedanFrom the old play The Fragrant Pouch; Yao Shufang and Song Guiling turned the sedan-chair ride into its showpiece scene

Timeline

Late Ming–early Qing to present
1650 · OriginHenan bangzi takes shape among the common people of the Central Plains in the late Ming and early Qing1750 · EvolutionBy the Qianlong reign it is an influential opera form across Henan1950 · EvolutionAfter 1949 the form is officially named Yuju and spreads nationwide
  1. 1650OriginHenan bangzi takes shape among the common people of the Central Plains in the late Ming and early Qing
  2. 1750EvolutionBy the Qianlong reign it is an influential opera form across Henan
  3. 1950EvolutionAfter 1949 the form is officially named Yuju and spreads nationwide

Heritage Listings

  1. 2006National List of Representative Items of Intangible Cultural Heritage1st batch · IV-23 · Henan