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A stage scene of Errenzhuan |
Northeast
Errenzhuan is a form of duet, also known as Bengbeng. It
originated in Northeast China's Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongiiang provinces. It
is a form of Quyi that involves storytelling, singing and dancing,
between two performers. Bengbeng has a history of 200 years and its
script is written in popular language that is easy to understand, humorous, and
rich in local life style and flavor. The vocal music is based on that of the
northeastern folk songs. The singing is high-spirited and of an explosive type,
sincere and moving. The dancing is derived from farmers' dances done to
celebrate sowing and planting. It also features the folk dance technique of
waving fans or silk handkerchiefs.
There are three kinds of Errenzhuan.
The most important is the duet sung by a clown and a player who acts the role of
a woman. It is a combination of singing, dancing and storytelling. The most
prominent items include The Western Bower and The Blue Bridge. The
second type is a solo, in which the player sings and dances, such as Hong
Yue'e Had a Dream. In the third type the actor sings the part of a woman or
an old man, as in an opera. This is called Lachangxi. An example is
Lord Bao Gong Makes an Apology.
After the founding of new China, the
government greatly supported this traditional Quyi genre, organizing old
artists to impart performing techniques several times, and launching reforms on
some items and performance forms of Errenzhuan and removing some vulgar
elements. Errenzhuan has been listed as a folk art protected by the
state.