Hancheng Yangko

Name of Chinese national intangible cultural heritage: Hancheng Yangko

Applicant: Hancheng City, Shaanxi Province

Item No.: 783

Project No.: Ⅴ - 90

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: quyi

Region: Shaanxi Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Hancheng City, Shaanxi Province

Protection unit: Hancheng Cultural Center

Introduction to Hancheng Yangko

Applicant: Hancheng City, Shaanxi Province

Hancheng Yangko is a comprehensive form of folk art which integrates rap, folk songs and dance, and the whole performance is dominated by rap. It is mainly distributed in Hancheng and its surrounding areas in Shaanxi Province. It was formed in Tongzhi and Guangxu years of Qing Dynasty, and has a history of more than 150 years. In 1876, Hancheng Yangko artist Han Minqing led the Yangko troupe to perform in Beijing. He was famous in Beijing for a time, which expanded the influence of Hancheng Yangko.

Hancheng Yangko has its fixed performance program. At the beginning, the clown appeared on the stage to "worship" and sang a "four or six songs" to show his modesty. Then he began to "invite the field", that is, to invite the Dan character called "Baotou" to the stage. "Baotou" appeared after singing "kaimendiao", and then the clown criticized Dan, named "Shuhua". The clown immediately sang "four or six songs" to show concession, and "Baotou" sang "four or six open-door songs", which is called "push". The main song is usually sung by clowns and Dan characters to narrate the plot. When leaving, clown and Dan sing "four or six songs" to show self modesty, and lead to the next track. Dan's performance is characterized by demon, cleverness, prettiness and charm, with charming and graceful movements, while clowns are vigorous and brave, with natural and unrestrained gait, often stamping their feet and kicking their legs. The combination of hardness and softness makes a strong contrast. The singing tune of Hancheng Yangko belongs to the combination of Qupai, and there are 117 kinds; the dance has local flavor, lively and vigorous, clear level and rich changes. Some programs have certain opera characteristics when they dress up and perform, so they are commonly known as "Dui Dui Xi". Hancheng Yangko traditional performance repertoire is quite rich, including historical legends, myths and legends, folk customs, folk stories and other works. A total of 127 pieces of music have been excavated and sorted out, and 96 kinds of music books have been published.

In the late 1940s, Hancheng Yangko began to decline. In the 1960s and 1970s, its performance was rare, and now it can only be seen in individual villages in mountainous areas. It can be said that Hancheng Yangko is in an endangered state and may die out at any time. It is urgent to formulate protection plans, rescue and support, and help inheritance.