Chinese Qinqiang Opera

Author: Jiao Wenbin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The widespread influence of Qinqiang Opera has had a significant impact on various local theatrical forms across China, such as the bangzi-style operas in Shanxi, Hebei, Hubei, Beijing, Anhui, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi. These operas are often referred to as "Qinqiang" or "bangzi" and incorporate Qinqiang music. Lu Xun once remarked while recalling his hometown's Shaoxing Opera, "During the late Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng traveled the world with a troupe from Mizhi. Some members of the troupe settled in Shaoxing, giving rise to Shaoxing Opera. Thus, Shaoxing Opera is much more robust than the neighboring Sheng County Yue Opera—it is truly a sibling branch of Qinqiang." The History of Qinqiang Opera consists of 10 chapters, systematically introducing and researching the history and current state of Qinqiang Opera from aspects such as its history, literature, music, performance, stage design, troupes, theoretical research, and dissemination and influence. It includes over 200 precious photographs. The book spans 500,000 words and features over 200 color and black-and-white illustrations, exuding elegance and grandeur. In addition to thoroughly elaborating on the similarities and differences between Qinqiang Opera and other theatrical forms as a branch of Chinese drama, the book presents compelling historical evidence and persuasive arguments to fully substantiate the ancient origins of Qinqiang Opera and its role in the formation and development of Peking Opera and other local operas. It particularly highlights the profound influence Qinqiang Opera has had on Chinese theater, especially on the formation of Peking Opera. The book comprehensively covers the history of Qinqiang Opera, the Qin Sound period, its literature, the ideological content of Qinqiang scripts, the lyrics, dialogue, and stage directions in Qinqiang scripts, the linguistic characteristics and creative methods of Qinqiang literature.