Guansuo Opera of Xiaotun Village in Chengjiang County, Yuxi

Guansuo Opera (关索戏), also known as “Playing Guansuo” (玩关索), is an ancient form of Nuo opera (傩戏) that survives exclusively in Xiaotun Village (小屯村), Yangzong Town (阳宗镇), Chengjiang County (澄江县), Yunnan Province (云南省). With a history spanning over 300 years, it originated from ancient ritual performances meant to ward off evil spirits and plagues, gradually evolving into a form of theater that entertains both deities and people.

Historical Origins

The origin of Guansuo Opera is closely tied to Guansuo (关索), a legendary general of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. Although there are no definitive historical records, local legends suggest that the opera existed during Zhuge Liang’s (诸葛亮) Southern Campaign. It became popular before the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty and was initially performed as a way for the villagers of Xiaotun (小屯村) to seek peace in times of hardship by dramatizing stories of the “Five Tiger Generals” (五虎大将) of Shu.

Performance Style

Guansuo Opera is known for its unique performance style—there is no fixed stage, no makeup, and it is not limited by time or location. Actors wear masks while singing and dancing, preserving the ritualistic elements of ancient Nuo performances. Before each performance, a ritual is held to worship at the Temple of the Music King (乐王庙), and only stories from the Three Kingdoms are staged. There are three main role types: sheng (生), dan (旦), and jing (净). Interestingly, the jing roles (such as Bao Sanniang and Princess Baihua) are all portrayed by men in female costume. No facial paint is used—only symbolic masks.

Ritual Procedures

Guansuo Opera follows a fixed set of rituals and procedures:

  • Worship of the Medicine King (祭药王): Held annually on an auspicious day in the 12th lunar month at Lingfeng Temple (灵峰寺), this ritual honors deities such as the Five Manifest Spirits (五显灵官).
  • Rehearsal and Preparation: After the ritual, actors begin rehearsals leading up to New Year’s Eve. On that night, they bathe at Lingfeng Temple and stay there, abstaining from meat.
  • Village and Household Performances: Starting on the first day of the lunar new year, performers tour the village in what is called “treading the village” (踩村); when passing through streets, it’s called “treading the streets” (踩街); and when performing in homes by invitation, it’s called “treading the households” (踩家).
  • Formal Performance: Each show begins with Appointing Generals (点将), depicting Liu Bei (刘备) and Zhuge Liang assigning titles. This is followed by martial plays, often duets involving combat.
  • Farewell to Deities and Sending off the Medicine King: At the end of each day’s performance, a farewell ritual is held. On the 16th day of the first lunar month, the “Sending off the Medicine King” (送药王) ceremony marks the end of the festivities.

Vocal Style and Accompaniment

Guansuo Opera features a complex vocal system with no string instruments—only percussion, giving the music a strong rhythmic character. Common tune types include long plate (长板), short plate (短板), messenger plate (报信板), seven-character plate (七字板), and broadsword tune (大刀腔). Gongs and drums direct tempo and key changes. Singers are not bound by strict pitch or rhythm, so even the same melody may sound different from one performer to another.

Masks and Costumes

Actors wear masks during performances, symbolizing divine entities. The roles are categorized into sheng, dan, and jing, with jing roles typically played by men dressed as women. Each role is distinguished through its specific mask and costume.

Cultural Significance

Guansuo Opera is a valuable resource for studying the development of ancient Chinese drama. It preserves the essence of original Nuo rituals while incorporating regional cultural elements, making it a key part of Yunnan’s Nuo heritage. In 2011, Guansuo Opera was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, becoming a vital part of Chengjiang County’s folk culture.

Modern Inheritance

In recent years, Chengjiang County (澄江县) has promoted the preservation and development of Guansuo Opera through cultural festivals and public performances. These efforts have brought the art form into the public eye, revitalizing this ancient tradition with new energy.

Guansuo Opera is a cultural gem unique to Xiaotun Village (小屯村). With its distinctive performance style and deep cultural roots, it continues to attract growing attention and admiration.

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