Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi'an Yisu Society
Introduction
The regional operas of Shaanxi province are characterized by their diverse genres. Amongst them, Qinqiang, Wanwanqiang and Meihu Operas were included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Qinqiang Opera is the origin of the bangzi vocal style. It is widely popular in Shaanxi and Gansu areas. The singing style is resounding, powerful and intense, while the performances are full of energy. Wanwanqiang Opera, which literally translates as "bowl singing", is named after the copper bowls used as the main accompanying percussion. The romantic and delicate music of this opera genre features elegant lyrics. The music of Meihu Opera belongs to the musical system of set tunes – the melodies are beautiful and the acts are performed in a lively style. Guanzhongdaoqing Opera is also known as Chang'an-daoqing. It was originally sung at a seated round table, performed in a temporary stage in a plaza or as shadow puppet shows. The music and singing style is mainly based on a variation of tempos. The winners of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre and two-time winners of the Award at Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute will be presenting the spectacular classic excerpts of these four ancient genres. The Xi'an Yisu Society will also be invited to showcase representative works of Qinqiang Opera. This century-old institution comprises a long list of renowned artists and it is one of the oldest surviving art troupes in the Mainland, having created and performed more than 700 plays in its repertoire since its establishment. The theatre premises of the Society has also been listed as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage Unit Preserved at the National Level". Romance in the Closet and Watching the Maiden presented in this festival were the first productions staged by Xi'an Yisu Society in 1915 – they are timeless plays that have been delighting the audience for more than 100 years.
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi'an Yisu Society
Programme Details
Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing
21/7 Fri 7:30pm
Xi’an Yisu Society
Qinqiang Opera Excerpts
Little Banquet
Inspired by Chapter 8, Romance of the Three Kingdoms titled “Wang Yun Plots the Chaining Scheme, Dong Zhuo Rages at the Phoenix Pavilion”. In his attempt to seduce the beautiful Diao Chan, the hero Lu Bu’s excitement is visualized by the varied ways he manipulates the two long pheasant plumes on his military helmet, such as gripping, fluttering, swaying and straightening.
During the twilight years of the Eastern Han dynasty, Dong Zhuo and his capable general Lu Bu plot to usurp the throne. Land Administrator Situ Wang Yun devises the “Chaining Scheme” to drive a wedge between the pair, promising the beautiful songstress Diao Chan to Lu on one hand while secretly offering her to Dong on the other.
Cast
Diao Chan: Fan Xiaoxing
Lu Bu: Li Dongfeng
Situ Wangyun: Qu Peng
House servant: Ma Yipai
Romance in the Closet
Scripted by Sun Renyu. The exuberant and comedic performance by xiaohuadan (young female) and chou (clown) is an attraction.
The widow Qian has a son Mischief and a daughter Lotus. Qian heads off to her maternal home with Mischief to find a match for Lotus. Li Dutang at the imperial court falls prey to the treacherous prime minister Qin Hui, who sends his men to chase after Li’s son, Yingnan. Sympathetic with the young man, Lotus keeps him out of harm’s way by hiding him in her closet. Mischief, upon his return, is led to believe that Lotus has had an affair with the stranger. Meanwhile, Li Dutang is acquitted by the Emperor and promoted to Minister. The two families are joined in matrimony.
Cast
Lotus: Fan Lili
Mischief: Tian Ping
Li Yingnan: Chen Chaowu
Madam Xu: Yin Xiaolian
Court runners: Wang Yi, Wang Hui
Black Tiger on the Counter
A showcase of hualian’s (painted face) high-flung and rustic performing style in Qinqiang Opera.
Zhao Gongming joined hands with Wen Zhong in helping the last Shang emperor to fight against the Zhou army, but was himself killed at Mount Qi. Zhao then asks his sister to help the Shang emperor again and revenge his death.
Cast
Zhao Gongming: Chao Hongbo
The Cloud Heaven: Qin Xiaoyan
The Green Heaven: Fan Xiaoxing
The Jade Heaven: Qi Jianru
Tiger: Wang Yi
– Intermission of 15 minutes –
A Lesson from the Mother
A showpiece for qingyi (virtuous female) whose lilting, sonorous and intriguing vocals are put on full display.
In the Ming dynasty, merchant Xue Yan plies his trade in Kaifeng and asks his friend to bring home 100 taels of silver. The friend, however, covets the money and falsely claims that Xue is dead and buried. Zhang and Liu remarry, whereas Wang guards her chastity and raises Yi, Liu’s abandoned son, together with Xue Bao painstakingly. The motherless Yi becomes an object of ridicule. He throws a tantrum at home and refuses to listen to his adopted mother. Wang, in a pique of rage, cuts the fabric on the loom with scissors. Thanks to Xue Bao’s mediation, mother and son are reconciled.
Cast
Wang Chun’ e: Han Lixia
Xue Yige: Zhao Lulu
Xue Bao: Qu Peng
Watching the Maiden
Also known as Two Warring Mothers-in-law. Penned by Sun Renyu. This family farce shows vividly the sidesplitting fun and freewheeling humour of Qinqiang Opera.
Renliu visits her daughter and, feeling that her own flesh and blood has been treated unfairly, says it right to her in-law’s face. Incandescent with fury, the in-law retorts that her own daughter has been the victim to the abusive Renliu. Verbal insult soon escalates into a brawl.
Cast
Renliu: Li Honggang
Mother-in-law: Qin Xiaoyan
Rouge: Yin Xiaolian
Daughter-in-law: Fan Xiaoxing
Sister-in-law: Fan Lili
On Broken Bridge
Adapted from Legend of the White Snake, this winding love story features the fluid and vigorous beauty of the actors, laying bare the mixed feelings of the lovesick White Snake toward her husband.
In the Song dynasty, Bai Suzhen, a White Snake who has achieved immortality, longs for human affection. She falls in love with scholar Xu Xian the first time they meet on Broken Bridge over West Lake. The pair are joined in marriage with Green Snake acting as the matchmaker.
Cast
Bai Suzhen: Hui Minli (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Green Snake: Qi Jianru
Xu Xian: Han Lei
The running time of the performance is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.
Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing
22/7 Sat 7:30pm
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute
Excerpts
Reunion at the Alms-giving Exercise from Shepherd's Ring (Qinqiang Opera)
A vehicle for laosheng (old male) showcasing his powerful, impactful, emotional vocals; most notably the stylized movements such as running in haste and pacing, moving the chair frequently, gesturing with his sleeves and beard, jumping up and landing on bent knees, etc.
In the Tang dynasty, Chundeng follows his uncle to war, his aunt and nephew Song Cheng deceiving Chundeng’s mother and daughter-in-law that he has died. After turning down the proposed marriage with Song Cheng, the two women are badly beaten and chased off to the faraway mountains to herd the sheep. Meanwhile, Chundeng fights a heroic battle and pays tribute to his ancestors and is devastated when he sees his mother and wife’s graves. To console the deceased, he dedicates food to his beloved. As it happens, the mother and wife, now reduced to begging, pass by and, shocked at the sight of their own graves, break their begging bowls into pieces. The conversation that ensues clears the air and the family are reunited.
Cast
Zhu Chundeng: Tan Jianxun (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Zhao Jingtang: Qi Aiyun (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Borrowing a Cup of Water at Taoyuan from The Golden Jade Hairpin (Wanwanqiang Opera)
A showpiece for xiaodan (young female) and xiaosheng’s (young male) dance-acting. Beautiful movements performed with the handkerchief or feats like circling the stage bring the characters vividly to life.
The suave scholar Cui Hu strolls the country after his failure at the civil examinations. He falls for village lass Tao Xiaochun on their first encounter and the pair seal their affection for each other with a golden jade hairpin.
Cast
Tao Xiaochun: Ren Xiaolei (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Cui Hu: Guan Xiaoliang
Murder at the Temple from Executing Chen Shimei (Qinqiang Opera)
A climactic sequence with dramatic conflict intensifies. As the tightly-woven plot progresses, a cast of highly versatile actors pull off electrifying performances in some heated actions.
Chen Shimei refuses to acknowledge his wife Qin Xianglian and sends general Han Qi to murder her and their two kids. Upon hearing the truth, Han cannot bring himself to kill them and, after setting them free, slays himself instead.
Cast
Han Qi: Li Dongqiao (Two-time winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Qin Xianglian: Wei Xiaoli (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
– Intermission of 15 minutes –
Su Wu the Shepherd (Qinqiang Opera)
The touching plot and condensed script, accompanied by sonorous music and powerful performances most typical of Qinqiang Opera, enhance the image of protagonist Su Wu as a righteous man with a lofty affection for the country.
Han envoy Su Wu has been banished by the Xiongnu tribe to the northern coast to herd the sheep. The Xiongnus send Li Ling to persuade him to surrender, but the patriot, ferociously loyal to his home country, retorts that he should rather die than be betrayed.
Cast
Su Wu: Zhao Yangwu (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Li Ling: Wang Xincang (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
The Ghost's Lament from Touring West Lake (Qinqiang Opera)
Of particular note are the long vocal passages and the elaborate, exaggerated movements. The heroine Li Huiniang circles the stage as lightly as a feather flowing in the wind. Her squeaky white long cloak flutters beautifully in the air as she walks in quick steps, and together with the varied ways she manipulates the cloak, her presence fills the entire stage as the “Nemesis of the Orient”.
The good-natured beauty Li Huiniang and the upright scholar Pei Ruiqing form a bond that transcends life and death. Despite being killed by the treacherous minister Jia Sidao, Li is kept alive by both her love and hate, her soul wandering the barren lands.
Cast
Li Huiniang: Li Mei (Two-time winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Celestial Maiden of Ninth Heaven: Zhang Bei (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
The running time of the performance is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.
Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing
23/7 Sun 2:30pm
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute
Excerpts
Good Neighbours (Guanzhongdaoqing Opera)
A fantastic comedic short that exudes a pristine simplicity and a strong sense of life. Accompanied by the special instrument yugu (fish drum), the play features Guanzhongdaoqing Opera in its full glory, by turns friendly, passionate, crisply paced, and highly animated.
On the New Year’s Eve, the poverty-stricken Li Xiaoxi seeks food from his fiancee who gives him what he needs stealthily. Li’s mother-in-law adores but suspects him nonetheless, whereas his father-in-law mistakes him for a frivolous man and gives him a good thrashing. Upon knowing the young man’s plight, the entire family shower him with food and clothes.
Cast
Lady Hibiscus: Zhang Bei
Li Xiaoxi: Guan Xiaoliang
Fu Shan: Hao Wei
Wife of Fu Shan: Lou Hua
The Farewell from The Butterfly Lovers (Wanwanqiang Opera)
A tragic love story that has been passed down for 1,000 years is retold with nuanced, exquisite and lilting music. The popular tunes and heartfelt feelings are all representative of the art of Wanwanqiang Opera.
During the Eastern Jin dynasty, Zhu Yingtai loves Liang Shanbo, who however has no clues that his classmate is in fact a girl. Yingtai’s father misses Yingtai and urges her to return home. When Shanbo is seeing her off, Yingtai keeps signalling to him that she is in love with him.
Cast
Zhu Yingtai: Li Junmei (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Liang Shanbo: Li Xiaoqing
The Engagement from The Butcher-scholar (Meihu Opera)
The lyrics are simple, populist and comedic.
Dang Jinlong, son of an upright court official set up by the traitors, has to battle hunger and cold while on his way to the imperial examinations. Hu San, a kind-hearted butcher, comes to his rescue and Dang manages to sit the exams. After his success, however, Dang recognizes an arch-enemy as his father and tortures his own mother.
Cast
Dang Fengying: Li Juan (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Hu San: Li Xiaofeng (Winner of Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre)
Dang’s mother: Huang Xiaoli
– Intermission of 15 minutes –
The Drunken Concubine (Wanwanqiang Opera)
In a suite of graceful song and dance sequences, the convoluted inner landscape of Imperial Consort Yang – from longings to disappointment to loneliness to resentment – is laid out one layer after the other.
Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty sets a date with Imperial Consort Yang at the Hundred Flowers Pavilion. The next day, Yang goes to the Pavilion and lays out a feast in anticipation of the Emperor’s arrival. However, the Emperor is nowhere in sight and, after much waiting, Yang is told that the Emperor is seeing Imperial Consort Jiang instead. Yang is prone to jealousy. Unable to give vent to her pent-up emotions, Yang can hardly contain her amorous feelings as she finds solace in the alcohol.
Cast
Imperial Consort Yang: Li Mei
Qinqiang Taking the Robe with His Spear
Excerpt from On the Horseback for a Thousand Miles, marked by solid and convincing performance, sonorous and passionate vocals, as well as a powerful masculinity. The extraordinary valour of general Guan Yu is brought into full display.
Guan Yu decides to leave Cao Cao and follow Liu Bei upon knowing Liu’s whereabouts. Cao Cao and his general Zhang Liao avoid him. On the Baling Bridge, Guan is greeted by Cao Cao and his entourage of generals. Guan halts his horse and readies himself for combat. Cao gifts Guan with a brocade robe. On the horseback, Guan seizes the robe with his spear and hurries away.
Cast
Guan Yu: Li Dongqiao
The running time of the performance is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including an intermission of 15 minutes.
Information provided by Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi’an Yisu Society
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi'an Yisu Society
Performing Group
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute
Formerly the Drama Troupe of the Shaan–Gan–Ning Border Residents founded in 1938 in Yan’ an. The Institute consists of the Qinqiang Troupe (1st troupe), the Young Actors Troupe (2nd troupe), the Meihu Wanwanqiang Opera Troupe (3rd troupe), the Little Plum Blossoms Qinqiang Troupe (4th troupe), as well as an artistic research centre, and a training centre for actors and musicians. There are altogether 13 recipients of the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre, and two of them are two-time winners. Their repertoire has garnered a staggering array of accolades, including the National Five A’s Initiative Award, National Contemporary Plays Gala Outstanding Award, Wenhua New Plays Award, Chinese Theatre Festival Outstanding Award, Chinese Qinqiang Festival Best Play Award, Wenhua Grand Prix, Chinese Arts Festival Grand Prix, the Top Ten National Theatrical Masterpieces Initiative Best Play Award, Ministry of Culture’s Grand Prix for Preserved Old Plays, Cao Yu Script Award of the Chinese Theatre Awards, etc.
Xi’an Yisu Society
First established in 1912, Xi’ an Yisu Society is dedicated to public edification as well as social education. Soon after it was founded, Li Tongxuan compiled the Manuscripts of Old Theatre Reappraised. Playwrights such as Fan Zidong, Sun Renyu, Gao Peizhi, Li Yuezhi and Lu Nanzhong had penned over 800 opera titles in some 1,000 publications. Among them, Qinqiang Opera movie based on Fan Zidong’s Three Drops of Blood took audiences by storm both at home and abroad. Other plays such as The Soft Jade Screen, Romance of the Letters, A Pair of Brocade Robes, Seizure of the Glorious Tower, Story of Madam Geng, Romance in the Closet, Watching the Maiden, and The Magistrate in His Study have been performed to this day across the century. Liu Zhensu of the Society enjoys the same fame as theatrical luminaries Mei Lanfang and Ouyang Yuqian, as evidenced by the saying that “Ouyang leads the south, Mei leads the north, and Liu leads the west” . As a token of appreciation, he wrote them the tablet titled “Singular Rendition of the Old Tunes” . Today, the Society’s theatre has been given special protection as a national monument.
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi'an Yisu Society
Genre
Qinqiang Opera
Qinqiang Opera is the origin of the bangzi vocal style. It is widely popular in Shaanxi and Gansu areas. Also known as “bangzi singing” since the bangzi clapper is the percussive instrument that sets the rhythm. The singing style is resounding, powerful and intense, while the performances are full of energy.
Wanwanqiang Opera
Wanwanqiang Opera, which literally translates as “bowl singing”, is named after the copper bowls used as the main accompanying percussion. Its principal musical instrument yueqin (moon-shaped lute) was called ruanxian in the olden days, and so the name Ruan’ erqiang ( “Little Ruan Tune” ). Wanwanqiang Opera had its origins in Huayin and Huaxian areas in Shaanxi. At one time, it was renamed Hua (China) Opera. The romantic and delicate music of this opera genre features elegant lyrics.
Meihu Opera
The music of Meihu Opera belongs to the musical system of set tunes – the melodies are beautiful and the acts are performed in a lively style. It boasts a collection of over 300 set tunes, rendered in 72 major keys and 36 minor keys respectively.
Guanzhongdaoqing Opera
Guanzhongdaoqing Opera is also known as Chang’ an-daoqing. It was originally sung at a seated round table, performed in a temporary stage in a plaza or as shadow puppet shows. The music and singing style is mainly based on a variation of tempos. Its traditional qupai medleys (set tunes) were sung in “9 vocal styles and 18 tunes”, among which “8 vocal styles and 11 tunes” survive today.
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi'an Yisu Society
Production Team
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute
Company Director: Li Mei
Associate Company Director: Li Dongqiao
Secretary General and Director: Dong Lisen
Executive Director: Zhao Danhong
Cast: Tan Jianxun, Li Juan, Li Xiaofeng, Qi Aiyun, Ren Xiaolei, Wang Xincang, Zhang Bei, Li Junmei, Zhao Yangwu, Wei Xiaoli, Hao Wei, Guan Xiaoliang, Mu Xiaopeng, Cao Puchao, Li Xiaoqing, Huang Xiaoli, Lou Hua, Cao Chong, Li Kaizhe, Guo Nannan, Yang Yun, Zhai Bo, Li Fei, Hu Yuchen, Wang Jing, Song Didi, Yu Miao, He Qian, Li Ying, Duan Liying, Hu Jianqin
Conductor: Xue Tianxin
Musicians: Jiao Junwu, Nie Siji, Wang Tieniu, Luo Xinchang, Deng Zengqi, Hou Jianjun, Ran Fei, Li Gang, Zhang Lazi, Li Peng, Lu Minjie, Shen Baolin, Guo Lipeng, Zhao Desheng, Xiang Ni, An Jing, Han Rongyu, Deng Xiao, Deng Jing, Dang Ting
Stage Art Designer: Yang Xiaobin
Lighting Designer: Zhang Xiaopeng
Sound: Zhang Jiaju
Costume: Wang Qiqi, Zhao Mao, Zhang Yu
Makeup: Dang Lili, Lu Xiuping
Props: Li Fei
Surtitles: Zhang Qingyan
Co-ordinator: Li Jun
Xi’an Yisu Society
Company Director: Yong Tao
Director: Hui Minli
Cast: Li Honggang, Han Lixia, Chen Chaowu, Fan Xiaoxing, Chao Hongbo, Yin Xiaolian, Fan Lili, Qi Jianru, Li Dongfeng, Qu Peng, Han Lei, Qin Xiaoyan, Tian Ping, Wang Yi, Ma Yipai, Zhao Lulu, Wang Hui
Musicians: Wang Zhiqiang, Zhang Yuping, Cheng Qiang
Stage Art Team: Huang Rongqing, Zhao Xiaoliang, Feng Aili, Wang Ping, Pang Peng, Li Chenguang
Co-ordinator and Planning: China Cultural City Limited
House Programme Information and Surtitles Translation: Elbe Lau
Shaanxi Traditional Opera Research Institute and Xi'an Yisu Society
Ticketing
Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing
21-22/7 Fri-Sat 7:30pm
23/7 Sun 2:30pm
$340 
$260 
$150
With Chinese and English surtitles
Please refer to the "Extension Activities" page for details of extension activities
Programme Enquiries: 2268 7325
Ticketing Enquiries: 3761 6661
Credit Card Telephone Booking: 2111 5999
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Please click here for discount scheme details.