Chengdu Sichuan Opera Art Museum
Overview
The Chengdu Chuanju Art Museum (成都川剧艺术博物馆) was unveiled on December 28, 2001. It showcases valuable materials, photographs, and artifacts that depict the history and artistic achievements of Sichuan opera (川剧). The museum was restructured based on the Chengdu Chuanju Art Exhibition Hall and comprises three main branches: “Liyuan Cuijin” (梨园簇锦), “Shuqu Liufang” (蜀曲流芳), and “Qihua Lanman” (奇葩烂漫).
- Location: No. 54 Huaxing Zheng Street, Jinjiang District, Chengdu (成都市锦江区华兴正街54号)
- Category: Folk Art
- Opening Date: December 28, 2001
- Collection Highlights: Chuanju scripts
- Branch Composition: Liyuan Cuijin, Shuqu Liufang, Qihua Lanman
- Admission: Free
- Exhibition Area: 634 m²
Historical Development
Liyuan Cuijin
This branch primarily showcases the rich repertoire of Sichuan opera, exquisite stage performances, unique percussion, and vibrant stage art. It houses a wealth of props, costumes, masks, and face paintings, making it the most comprehensive exhibition among the three branches.
Shuqu Liufang
This branch presents the historical evolution and development of Sichuan opera from its early forms during the Three Kingdoms period, through the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties, and the Republic of China, up to the early 1980s.
Qihua Lanman
This section details the national attention towards Sichuan opera, its revival, and the flourishing of creative performances.
About Sichuan Opera
Sichuan opera is one of over 300 major Chinese opera forms and is prevalent in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, Hubei, and parts of Taiwan. With a history spanning several hundred years, Sichuan opera evolved by the early 20th century into a major theatrical form that features five singing styles: Kunqiang (昆腔), Gaoqiang (高腔), Huqin (胡琴腔), Danxi (弹戏), and Dengdiao (灯调).
Sichuan opera inherits the artistic traditions of classical Chinese theater, rich in repertoire and characterized by elegant and accessible language. It embodies vibrant life, with dynamic and intricate performances. The movements are symbolic, music is graceful, and singing is lyrical, especially notable in the high-pitched Gaoqiang style, which has a distinctive Sichuan flavor. Costumes are luxurious, and face painting displays character traits and aesthetics, leading to the mysterious art of face-changing.
Beyond professional troupes, Sichuan opera enthusiasts from various sectors gather to perform in their spare time, forming many amateur opera societies for entertainment.
Chengdu as the Birthplace
Chengdu is the birthplace and thriving center of Sichuan opera, historically known for the famous Sanqinghui and numerous opera troupes. Since the 1950s, the provincial and municipal opera houses have boasted a strong lineup of actors, excellent artistic capabilities, and highly acclaimed performances, attracting audiences nationwide and touring Europe, Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The captivating charm of Sichuan opera continues to win the hearts of many both domestically and internationally.
Artistic Features of Sichuan Opera
Sichuan opera is a comprehensive art form that integrates literature, music, dance, storytelling, acrobatics, magic, and painting. The art form reflects social life both ancient and modern, showcasing unique Bashu characteristics that differentiate it from other Chinese operatic genres.
This branch primarily exhibits the evolution and development of Sichuan opera in terms of repertoire, playwrights, performances, music, and stage design, highlighting its uniqueness. With over 4,000 known plays, the scripts are praised for their accessible language and humorous wit, capturing the essence of everyday life. The playwrights, inheriting traditional art forms, create works that reflect a wide range of societal characters, from emperors to commoners.
The performance techniques are built on the “Four Skills” (singing, acting, recitation, and combat) and the “Five Methods” (hands, eyes, body, hair, and steps), resulting in a nuanced and expressive style, especially evident in special techniques like face-changing, fire-spitting, and kicking stunts.
Music and Makeup
The musical repertoire includes a diverse vocal system comprising Kunqiang, Gaoqiang, Huqin, Danxi, and Dengdiao, characterized by harmonious percussion instruments that contribute to its distinct regional flavor. The makeup primarily uses face painting to reflect character traits, with unique styles like the “Baziqiang” (霸儿腔) and “Yin Yang Face” (阴阳脸) setting Sichuan opera apart from other operatic forms.
Cultural Significance
Sichuan opera is recognized as one of the three ancient theatrical cultures alongside Greek tragedy and comedy, and Indian Sanskrit drama. Since the 12th century, it has evolved into over 300 regional and ethnic opera forms across China. As a cultural hub, Chengdu and Chongqing have nurtured the growth of Sichuan opera, establishing a rich tradition.
The earliest forms of Sichuan opera can be traced back to the Records of the Three Kingdoms (《三国志》), where Liu Bei used actors to portray conflict among his generals. By the Tang dynasty, “zaju” (杂剧) had emerged in Chengdu, with troupes gaining national recognition. During the Ming dynasty, “Chuanxi” (川戏) became established, and by the early Republic of China, significant advancements were made in performance and repertoire.
Following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Sichuan opera artists rejuvenated their craft, participating in national showcases and gaining acclaim across various performances, including international tours.
Legacy and Preservation
In early 1978, Deng Xiaoping expressed the need to revive traditional opera after watching a performance in Chengdu. This led to the unbanning of traditional theater across the country. In 1982, a call for the revitalization of Sichuan opera was issued, resulting in a surge of creative output and the emergence of talented artists who received national and provincial recognition.
Chengdu stands as a pivotal location for the promotion and revitalization of Sichuan opera, which is not only part of Sichuan’s and Southwest China’s culture but also an integral part of global heritage. Its artistic legacy continues to document the splendor of a great nation and showcase contemporary artistic achievements.
In 2020, the Chengdu government initiated a renovation project for the Chengdu Chuanju Art Center, which will feature five main functional areas, enhancing its role in promoting and preserving this unique art form.
