Quzi Opera (ICH)

Updated: 2013-10-30
( chinaculture.org )

The first list of Intangible Cultural Heritages was approved by the nation in 2006.

(Dunhuang Melody Opera, Huating Melody Opera)

Year: 2006

Sort: Traditional Opera

Area:Gansu province

Serial No.: IV-69

I Dunhuang Quzi Opera

Declarer: Dunhuang city, Gansu province

The Quzi Opera is a folk play popular in the five provinces of northwestern. It developed from the folk melodies of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911). There were different styles in different areas, such as the Dunhuang Quzi Opera, the Huating Quzi Opera, theXinjiangQuzi Opera and the Ningxia Quzi Opera.

There are two kinds of performances; formal and informal. Formal performances are only given on stage, usually in local dialects, with costumes and props. The informal performance is not restricted by place and costumes and props are not necessary.

The various themes include fairy tales, historical stories and stories of everyday life. Dunhuang Quzi Opera has been popular for over one thousand years, and there are often small performances given at festivals. Most Quzi Opera performance troupes are amateur. There are very few professional performance groups. With the recent societal reform and the diversification of entertainment, the Quzi Opera is in danger of dying out. Currently there is a lot of effort being put into saving it.

II Huating Quzi Opera

Declarer: Huating county, Gansu province

The Huating Quzi Opera originated in the Song (960-1279) and Yuan dynasties (1271-1368) and flourished in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911) and particularly inthe Republic of China(1912-1949).

It is slightly similar to the Yuan Tune in regard to sentence patterns. The plots are simple and it is only performed from January 5th to 23rd on the lunar calendar, or at weddings or funerals. The performance focuses on expressions and actions. There are no fixed performance rules.

The Huating Quzi Opera plays an active role in enriching the cultural life of people in the mountain areas. With the development of the economy and technology, the Melody Opera is facing unprecedented challenges. Many factors such as the penetration of cultural diversification, the popularization of IT and TV, the diversification of entertainment and lack of people interested in learning the Quzi Opera have driven it to the brink of dying out..