Hainan Zhai Opera

Hainan Zhai Opera

Hainan Zhai Opera is a traditional sacrificial ritual drama in Hainan Province. It is similar to the Nuo Opera in northern China. It is known as "Nuo Opera in the north and Zhai Opera in the south". It originates from the folk sacrificial ceremony. Early sacrificial ceremonies were simple dances and chanting incantations, which were called "making a fast" in Hainan folk. With the introduction of foreign operas, sacrificial rituals absorbed the nutrition of the opera "singing and dancing stories" and developed into Zhai opera. Zhai Opera is the primary form of Hainan Opera. Qiongju Opera, the largest local opera in Hainan, was born out of Zhai Opera. Zhai Opera was produced in Ming Dynasty at the latest and has a history of more than 400 years.

On May 23, 2011, Hainan Zhai Opera declared by Haikou City of Hainan Province was listed in the third batch of national intangible cultural heritage list with the approval of the State Council.

historical origin

Hainan people also say "watch Zhai" when they watch Qiongju Opera. The so-called "Zhai" is Zhai Opera in Hainan.

Hainan Zhai Opera is a sacrificial ritual opera, similar to the Nuo Opera in the north of China, known as "Nuo Opera in the north and Zhai Opera in the south", which originates from the folk sacrificial ceremony.

Early sacrificial ceremonies were simple dances and chanting incantations, which were called "making a fast" in Hainan folk. With the introduction of foreign operas, sacrificial rituals absorbed the nutrition of the opera "singing and dancing stories" and developed into Zhai opera.

Zhai Opera is the primary form of Hainan Opera. Qiongju Opera, the largest local opera in Hainan, was born out of Zhai Opera. Zhai Opera was produced in Ming Dynasty at the latest and has a history of more than 400 years.

Inheritance significance

Hainan Zhai Opera has classes, artists, plays, music and performance programs. It has its own system and unique style. Zhai Opera retains the legacy of Chinese opera since Song and Yuan Dynasties, which is of great value to the study of the history of Chinese opera.

Zhai Opera is the product of folk activities, which is highly ornamental, or the spiritual link connecting Qiongzhou overseas Chinese. It integrates Hainan folk stories, ballads, folk operas, music, acrobatics, crafts and other artistic elements, and becomes the carrier of preserving Hainan traditional culture and art.

Inheritance and protection

Due to the impact of fashion culture, Zhai Opera is on the verge of losing its heritage and needs urgent protection. June 2011 was selected as the third batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.