Dai Zhengyi – Inheritor of Tu Opera in Wenshan City, Wenshan
Personal Background
Dai Zhengyi (代正义), a male of the Zhuang ethnic group, was born in 1962 in Lexi Village (乐西村), Dehou Town (德厚镇), Wenshan City (文山市), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province. Influenced by his father from a young age, Dai developed a passion for Tuxi Opera (土戏), and learned extensively under his father’s guidance. In 1982, he joined the Lexi Tuxi Opera Troupe (乐西土戏班) and, under the mentorship of Master Yu Huade (余华德), quickly mastered the performance techniques of Tuxi. He also learned how to select plays, direct performances, and adapt scripts based on legendary tales.
Introduction to Lexi Tuxi Opera
Lexi Tuxi Opera (乐西土戏) is one of the three major branches of Zhuang opera in Yunnan. It has been praised by experts from China’s Ministry of Culture as a “living fossil” in the garden of Chinese opera, showcasing rich Zhuang cultural characteristics and historical value. In June 2008, Lexi Tuxi Opera was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Project. Dai Zhengyi was recognized as a national-level inheritor of Lexi Tuxi Opera.
Preservation and Development
As an inheritor of Lexi Tuxi Opera, Dai Zhengyi is devoted to ensuring the survival of this traditional art. He has committed to passing on all of his skills without reservation to the next generation. In addition to his deep expertise in performance, Dai actively promotes and teaches the opera. For example, he gives lectures at local schools, explaining the origins and characteristics of Tuxi Opera, and arranges for the Lexi Tuxi Opera Troupe to perform for students.
History of Lexi Tuxi Opera
Lexi Tuxi Opera originated and spread in Lexi Village (乐西村), Dehou Town (德厚镇), Wenshan City (文山市). According to the Chronicle of Zhuang Opera in Yunnan (《云南壮剧志》), Lexi Tuxi Opera was formed during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Based on the succession from the first troupe leader, Li Guizhi (李贵枝), to the current seventh-generation leader, Dai Zhengyi, the opera has a history of over 100 years.
Contributions and Cultural Significance
Dai Zhengyi and his Lexi Tuxi Opera Troupe have not only performed locally but also represented Wenshan City (文山市) in the first Zhuang Opera Performance Festival of Wenshan Prefecture (文山州首届壮剧汇演). Their performances have witnessed the founding of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州) and have highlighted the charm of Zhuang culture during many significant historical moments.
Legacy
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Dai Zhengyi and other cultural inheritors, Lexi Tuxi Opera—a time-honored traditional drama of the Zhuang ethnic group—continues to thrive in modern society and remains a cultural gem in Yunnan’s vast heritage.
Characteristics of Lexi Tuxi Opera
Lexi Tuxi Opera (乐西土戏), one of the three major branches of Zhuang opera in Yunnan, is praised as a “living fossil” in the garden of Chinese opera. It reflects strong Zhuang cultural elements and holds significant historical and cultural value. Below are its main characteristics:
1. Unique Vocal Styles and Music
Vocal Structure: Lexi Tuxi Opera follows a qupai-style musical structure, consisting of vocal and instrumental components. Main tunes include:
- Sad Tune (悲调): Expresses sorrowful themes such as tragic separation and death.
- Happy Tune (喜调): Used for joyful and festive scenes.
- Stage-Calling Tune (催场调): Sung to summon actors to the stage.
- Axi Tune (阿西调): A chorus piece for happy reunions or toasts.
- Da Guoban (大过板): Played before or between scenes.
Accompaniment Instruments:
- Civil Scene (文场): Instruments include the erhu, sanxian, and pointed flute (尖头箫).
- Martial Scene (武场): Instruments include cowhide drum, large gong, cymbals, and traditional Zhuang instruments like bileliu (比勒溜), used to play folk-inspired improvisations.
2. Performance Style
Form: Natural and unembellished, with improvisation based on character traits. Performances begin with a director (点戏师傅) presenting an outline, and actors are free to interpret and perform.
Roles:
- Sheng (生): Male lead
- Dan (旦): Female lead
- Jing (净): Painted face character
- Chou (丑): Clown
- Character traits include dignified young ladies, elegant scholars, bold kings, and carefree jesters.
Costumes and Props:
- Male costumes imitate Han opera; female performers wear traditional ethnic attire.
- Props include handkerchiefs, fans, swords, spears, whips, and symbolic horses.
3. Repertoire
- Traditional Plays: Over 50 have been preserved and passed down, including:
The Legend of Fragrant Mountain (《香山记》), The Snake Legend (《蟒蛇记》), The Tale of Filial Piety (《大孝记》), Justice for Mei (《铡美案》), Qin Xuemei’s Mourning (《秦雪梅吊孝》), Meeting at the Ancient City (《古城会》), Mulan Joins the Army (《木兰从军》), and Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals (《过五关斩六将》). - Themes: Drawn from history, folklore, and mythology, enriched by Zhuang artists, reflecting the regional and ethnic character of Wenshan’s Zhuang people.
4. Performance Customs
- Opening and Closing Plays: Traditionally, The Legend of Fragrant Mountain opens the show, while Crossing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals closes it.
- Ritual Practices: Before each performance, a ceremony is held with a spirit tablet, incense offerings, and prayers by the troupe leader for national peace and favorable weather.
- Performance Timing: Usually performed during the Spring Festival or major holidays.
5. Language and Facial Makeup
- Performance Language: All lyrics, dialogues, and monologues are delivered in the Budai (布傣) language, except for specific untranslatable terms.
- Facial Makeup: Inspired by Han opera—e.g., red face for Guan Gong, black for Bao Gong. Military characters have various facial designs.
Lexi Tuxi Opera is not only a performing art but also an important cultural vessel for the Zhuang people, embodying deep historical and cultural significance. Thanks to dedicated inheritors like Dai Zhengyi (代正义), this ancient art form continues to thrive and evolve in today’s society.
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