Introduction of operas in different period
Yuan Dynasty
1、Definition: Yuan zaju(元杂剧) were poetic and musical dramas,
in four (or, occasionally, five) acts, with the "act" defined as a set of songs following and completing a certain musical modal progression The zaju featured particular specialized roles for performers, such as Dan (旦, dàn, female), Sheng (生, shēng, male), Hua (花, huā, painted-face) and Chou (丑, chŏu, clown).
The Development of Chinese Opera
Famous works: 窦娥冤(关汉 卿)、汉宫秋(马致远)
Extension phase: In Ming dynasty, Kunqu grew up on the regions south of Yangtze River(江南).
The Development of Chinese Opera
Forming stage: Primitive society (to satisfy people’s spiritual need)
社火、秧歌、傩戏
Booming period: In Yuan dynasty, commercial and professional performing group emerged.