Sichuan Opera

Overview of Sichuan Opera (川剧)

Sichuan Opera, also known as Chuanxi (川戏), is a traditional form of Chinese opera popular in the southwestern regions of China, including Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Guizhou. It is a blend of five distinct vocal styles: Gaoqiang (高腔), Kunqu (昆曲), Huqin (胡琴, also known as Pihuang or 皮黄), Tanxi (弹戏, or Bangzi), and Sichuan folk lamp opera (灯戏). Over the centuries, this unique theatrical art form has been passed down by generations of artists, creating a cultural treasure within the Han ethnic areas of these provinces.

Key Characteristics

Sichuan Opera is renowned for its diverse vocal techniques, distinctive face-changing performances, and a variety of roles such as Xiaosheng (小生, young male roles), Xusheng (须生, bearded male roles), Dan (旦, female roles), Hualian (花脸, painted face roles), and Chou (丑, clown roles). Among these, the “three small” roles, including Xiaochou (小丑, comic role), Xiaosheng (小生, young male role), and Xiaodan (小旦, young female role), are particularly notable for their vibrant and intricate performances.

In 2006, Sichuan Opera was included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the State Council of China.

Origin of the Name

The term “Sichuan Opera” first appeared in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era when it was known as Chuanxi (川戏). Although the name has only been in use for about 80 years, its roots go back much further, possibly as far as the Tang Dynasty, when local theatrical performances were called Chuanxi (川戏). Scholars and artists debate the origins of Sichuan Opera, with some tracing it to the Tang Dynasty’s Zaju (杂剧) and the Southern Song Dynasty’s Chuan Zaju (川杂剧). Others suggest that Sichuan’s Gaoqiang (高腔) predates the Yiyang Qiang (弋阳腔) from Jiangxi, while the Qin Qiang (秦腔) performed by Qing Dynasty actor Wei Changsheng (魏长生) is another possible origin.

Historical Development of Sichuan Opera

Tang Dynasty Origins

Sichuan Opera was first referred to as Chuanxi (川戏) during the Tang Dynasty. Historical records show that in 806 AD, during the reign of Emperor Xianzong (唐宪宗元和元年), a significant political event took place in Sichuan. The corrupt provincial governor, Liu Pi (刘辟), imposed heavy taxes and caused widespread suffering among the people. In response, local actors created a play, “Liu Pi’s Forced Purchases” (刘辟责买), to criticize his actions. Although the play was rehearsed, it was never performed publicly due to fear of government retribution. However, when Liu Pi later rebelled against the Tang dynasty, actors saw their chance and staged the play.

This incident illustrates the significant influence of Chuanxi (川戏) in the Tang Dynasty, with records describing how it dominated the national theatrical scene, earning the reputation of “Sichuan theater surpassing all others” (蜀戏冠天下). The Tang Dynasty actor troupe composed of five performers: Gan Manchuan (干满川), Bai Jia (白迦), Ye Gui (叶硅), Zhang Mei (张美), and Zhang Ao (张翱), became renowned nationwide during this period.

Five Dynasties and the Influence of Emperor Li Cunxu (李存勗)

During the Five Dynasties period, Sichuan Opera reached new heights under the patronage of Li Cunxu (李存勗), the first emperor of the Later Tang Dynasty (后唐庄宗). A theater enthusiast, Li Cunxu made significant contributions to Sichuan Opera’s development and is still revered as one of its two “Founding Masters” (祖师爷). His devotion to the opera eventually led to his downfall. Li Cunxu’s obsession with performing led him to neglect his royal duties, culminating in his tragic death during a rebellion in 926 AD.

Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Evolution of Sichuan Opera

By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, various vocal styles had merged in Sichuan due to the influx of migrants and the establishment of local guilds. By the Qianlong period (乾隆年间, 1736–1795) of the Qing Dynasty, the five main vocal styles—Gaoqiang (高腔), Kunqu (昆曲), Huqin (胡琴), Tanxi (弹戏), and Dengxi (灯戏)—were regularly performed together, and this fusion gradually formed the unique style of Chuanxi (川戏), later renamed Sichuan Opera (川剧).

As various operatic troupes competed for audiences, they began incorporating elements from each other’s performances. This exchange of techniques led to the formation of Sichuan Opera’s distinct style. The first recorded use of the term “Sichuan Opera” was by the famous troupe Sanqing Hui (三庆会), which was influenced by the Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命).

Famous Sichuan Opera plays like “The White Snake’s Tale” (白蛇传) and the Golden Mountain Temple” (金山寺) became popular across China and internationally.

Modern Developments

In recent years, Sichuan Opera has continued to evolve. In 2018, projects by Chongqing University (重庆大学) and University of Electronic Science and Technology (电子科技大学) were included in the first batch of National Traditional Culture Inheritance Bases. In 2019, Sichuan Opera participated in the China Traditional Opera Week (中国戏曲文化周). In 2023, the National Arts Fund (国家艺术基金) sponsored a program to train Sichuan Opera Bangqiang (帮腔) performers, marking a rare and significant effort to preserve and cultivate this essential aspect of the art.

Artistic Characteristics of Sichuan Opera

Vocal Styles

Sichuan Opera is composed of five vocal styles: Kunqiang (昆腔), Gaoqiang (高腔), Huqin (胡琴), Tanxi (弹戏), and Dengxi (灯调). All of these styles, except for Dengxi, originated from outside Sichuan. Over time, they have fused with Sichuan’s local dialects, customs, and musical forms, evolving into a diverse and melodious art form.

Gaoqiang (高腔) is the most prominent style in Sichuan Opera, featuring a rich repertoire of melodies and a captivating musical structure. The performances are further enhanced by Bangqiang (帮腔) techniques, which include leading and accompanying vocals, harmonization, and even dramatic chanting.

Performance Techniques

Sichuan Opera is known for its face-changing (变脸) and fire-spitting (喷火) techniques, along with the graceful movements of water sleeves (水袖). These elements contribute to the stylized and abstract nature of Sichuan Opera performances, creating a unique aesthetic of combining the real and the imaginary.

Through centuries of evolution and creative fusion with local customs, Sichuan Opera has become an integral part of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage, attracting audiences from all over the world.