Chinese Qinqiang Opera

Author: Jiao Wenbin, Yan Minxue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The widespread influence of Qinqiang Opera has had a significant impact on various local theatrical forms. For instance, (Bangzi) opera genres in regions such as Shanxi, Hebei, Hubei, Beijing, Anhui, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi often refer to themselves 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's troupe carried Shaoxing Opera from Mizhi, and some members settled in Shaoxing, giving rise to the local form. Thus, Shaoxing Opera is much more robust than the neighboring Sheng County Yue Opera—it is truly a sibling branch of Qinqiang." The Chinese Qinqiang consists of 10 chapters, systematically introducing and researching the history and current state of Qinqiang Opera from perspectives such as its history, literature, music, performance, stage design, troupes, theoretical studies, and dissemination and influence. The book includes over 200 rare photographs and illustrations. With a total of 500,000 words, it is accompanied by more than 200 color and black-and-white illustrations, exuding elegance and grandeur. Beyond thoroughly elaborating on the similarities and differences between Qinqiang Opera as a branch of Chinese theater and other theatrical forms, the book also provides compelling historical evidence and persuasive arguments to demonstrate the ancient origins of Qinqiang and its role in the formation and development of Peking Opera and other local opera genres. It particularly emphasizes that Qinqiang Opera played a crucial role in the development of Chinese theater, especially in the formation of Peking Opera.