Zhuang Opera in Funing County, Wenshan

Funing Zhuang Opera is a unique traditional theatrical form originating from (富宁县) Funing County in (文山州) Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. It has a long history, first emerging in the (者宁) Zhening area of Funing County. The opera is based on the folk songs of the Zhuang ethnic group. Below are the main characteristics and related information about Funing Zhuang Opera:

Characteristics

Vocal Styles and Schools

Funing Zhuang Opera has four major vocal styles: “Ai Yi Ya,” “Ai Yi Nong,” “Guai Hai Lie,” and “Yi He Hai,” which are also referred to as the four main schools of the opera.

Accompaniment Instruments

The instruments used for accompaniment include the Ma Gu Hu, Ban Hu, Hu Lu Hu, and bamboo flutes without membranes, among others.

Script and Lyrics

The scripts are written in Han characters, but the Zhuang language is used for the lyrics, often in a five-character narrative poem format. The lyrics and dialogue are performed in the Zhuang dialect, which gives audiences a strong sense of familiarity and connection.

Performance Content

The content of the performances is mainly drawn from ethnic historical legends, Han Chinese romance novels, Han folk songs and ballads, and local folktales.

Representative Works

“The Snail Maiden”

This is one of the most representative works of Funing Zhuang Opera, based on a folk legend popular among the Zhuang people in Funing County. The play portrays the struggle between the Snail Maiden and a local chieftain, showcasing themes of “truth, goodness, and beauty” and “justice triumphing over evil.” The opera seamlessly combines “Zhuang Opera” and “Po Ya Love Songs,” showcasing the unique performance style of Zhuang Opera and its enduring charm.

“Changing the Wine for Cattle”

This play was selected for the first “China Traditional Opera Rare Genres Excellent Performance Exhibition.” It demonstrates the artistic charm of Funing Zhuang Opera.

Development History

Early Development

Funing Zhuang Opera was formed during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. The early form was “Danfen” (singing with lyrics), which gradually evolved into “Bencheng Drama” (seated performances by several singers), and later developed into a multi-act play.

Post-New China Establishment

In 1954, the first opera troupe was established in Funing County. In 1958, the first Zhuang Opera performance was held in Funing County with more than 100 performers. By 1959, there were over 150 Zhuang opera troupes in the county, with more than 8,000 actors.

Modern Development

In 2022, the Wenshan Prefecture Zhuang Opera Troupe presented an innovative third version of the grand Zhuang opera “The Snail Maiden” at the Funing County Ethnic Sports Stadium, which received a strong response.

Cultural Value

Funing Zhuang Opera is not only an important part of Zhuang culture but also a valuable heritage of traditional Chinese theater. It incorporates rich folk literature, music, dance, and acrobatics, reflecting the Zhuang people’s way of life, historical legends, and spiritual world.

If you are interested in Funing Zhuang Opera, you can watch related performance videos such as “The Snail Maiden” and “Changing the Wine for Cattle” to gain a deeper understanding of this unique art form.

Modern Innovations

1. Innovation in Repertoire

“The Snail Maiden” Third Version

In 2022, the Wenshan Zhuang Opera Troupe created an innovative third version of the grand Zhuang opera “The Snail Maiden.” The script was revised to better align with modern aesthetic standards, enhancing the plot and adding more dramatic effects. The music combined two national intangible cultural heritages, “Zhuang Opera” and “Po Ya Love Songs,” achieving a perfect fusion.

“Zhuang Embroidery Romance”

In 2021, the Funing County ethnic cultural team created a small play called “Zhuang Embroidery Romance,” which blends elements of Zhuang Opera, Po Ya Love Songs, and Zhuang embroidery. It tells the story of a “male embroiderer” whose life is intertwined with embroidery. The play received praise from both experts and audiences.

2. Innovation in Performance Style

On-site Performances

Drawing inspiration from successful cases like “Impression Liu Sanjie,” on-site performances are held at locations where the stories take place, combining Funing’s beautiful natural scenery and rich history and culture. These performances attract a large number of tourists, enriching their understanding of Zhuang Opera and its cultural significance.

Multimedia Technology

Multimedia technologies, such as lighting, sound effects, and stage designs, are incorporated into performances to enhance visual and auditory experiences, providing the audience with a more immersive experience.

3. Innovation in Themes

Modern Themes

Modern themes like “Encouraging Learning” (劝学) have been created in Zhuang Opera, using simple language and authentic emotions to depict the heroic image of a teacher dedicated to rural education and a village student’s struggle to achieve their dreams. Traditional theatrical forms with ethnic characteristics are used to promote educational policies and poverty alleviation efforts.

Revolutionary History Themes

Works like “The Baise Uprising” (百色起义) combine local revolutionary history with ethnic opera, employing film and drama techniques. The story unfolds through a layered narrative that intertwines “spirit-time” and “historical-time,” representing a positive exploration of revolutionary history in opera.

4. Cultural Exchange and Cooperation

Multi-troupe Exchanges

On February 18, 2025, the first “Longduan Festival” cultural performance was held in (新华镇) Xinhua Town, (各甫村) Gefo Village, Funing County. The event gathered 16 troupes, including the Dongbona Ha troupe and Guichao Mengcun troupe, featuring a variety of traditional and new plays, dances, and more. This exchange event not only promotes learning and cooperation among different troupes but also injects new vitality into the inheritance and development of Zhuang Opera.

5. Inheritance and Education

School Education

Through partnerships with schools, Zhuang Opera has been integrated into the school arts education system. The “Zhuang Opera into Campus” initiative is being implemented to cultivate a younger generation’s interest and love for Zhuang Opera.

Community Activities

Zhuang Opera performances and educational activities are organized in communities, providing more opportunities for people to learn and experience the opera, thereby strengthening community residents’ recognition of traditional culture.

Through these innovations, Funing Zhuang Opera has enriched its content and performance styles, playing an important role in the inheritance and protection of this intangible cultural heritage.

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