Quzi Opera (Dunhuang Quzi Opera)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Quzi Opera (Dunhuang Quzi Opera)

Applicant: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province

Project No.: 213

Project No.: Ⅳ - 69

Time of publication: 2006 (the first batch)

Category: Traditional Drama

Region: Gansu Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province

Protection unit: Dunhuang Cultural Center

Introduction to Quzi Opera (Dunhuang Quzi Opera)

Applicant: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province

Quzi opera is a popular folk opera in five provinces of Northwest China. It originated from the folk songs of Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, local operas with different styles were formed, such as Dunhuang Quzi opera, Huating Quzi opera, Xinjiang Quzi opera, Ningxia Quzi opera, etc. The singing style of Quzi opera belongs to Lianqiang style, which is composed of many Qupai. In the process of development, it has absorbed the artistic elements of Qin opera and Meihu opera. There are two forms of performance: stage performance and floor stand singing. The stage performance is commonly known as "colorful singing", including civil and military arena and clothing props. The narration is in the local dialect. The performance requires that the Dan characters twist and walk happily, the dance is light and lively, and the image is vivid. The clown needs humor and cleverness. The floor stand singing, commonly known as Qingchang, is not limited by the performance venue, and does not need costumes and props. As long as the singer has a good voice, accurate singing tune, many tunes, and stable Road, he can take a seat to sing. There are a wide range of themes in Quzi dramas, which mainly show fairy tales, historical legends and civil society life.

As a once prosperous local opera in Dunhuang area, Dunhuang Quzi opera has been popular among the people for thousands of years. Some studies have shown that although the content has evolved and new folk creations and new art forms have been added, in the Dunhuang Quzi opera, which has formed its own style, the Quzi words and tunes in Dunhuang's posthumous documents are still retained, which has made the remaining veins of Dunhuang culture continue among the people.

Quzi opera is mainly performed by amateur folk, but few professional performance groups. With the change of society and the diversification of entertainment, the living space of Quzi opera is becoming smaller and smaller, and it is on the verge of being lost. In order to protect and promote Quzi opera and expand its influence, the relevant authorities have taken a variety of measures, such as holding training classes for Quzi opera artists, inviting old artists to explore, organize and teach the repertoire of Quzi opera, recording and recording the repertoire, and accumulated some valuable experience and information. On this basis, it is still necessary to consolidate the existing achievements and further promote the rescue and protection work.