Yu Opera, also called "Henan Bangzi Opera" or "Henan High Tune," is a major local opera
in Henan Province and enjoys nationwide popularity. There are four styles in Yu Opera. And
it is noted for its demanding melodies, strong rhythms and intensive use of spoken language.
It is also famous for its straightforward performance and strong local flavor. There are
more than 600 traditional plays in the repertoire of Yu Opera. Chang Xiangyu is the best
known actress of this opera.
The following is a list of synopses of famous plays:
Arranged Marriage, The(Qin Xuemei): During the Ming Dynasty, Qin Xuemei and
Shang Lin are engaged as children. Later, when Shang's family is persecuted by malicious
ministers, he goes to live with the Qin family. But Qin's father no longer agrees to his
daughter's marriage and drives Shang out. When he returns to his own home, Shang becomes
seriously ill and soon dies. Overwhelmed with sorrow and againgst her father's wishes,
Qin goes to the Shang family for the funeral.
Clever Magistrate, The(Tang Zhixian Shen Gao Ming): Yan Song is a treacherous
prime minister during the Ming Dynasty. His arrogant sister, who enjoys an honorary title by
imperial mandate persuades her son Cheng Xiniu to capture Lin Xiuying, a local woman. A
heroic man defends Lin, but during the fight, Cheng Xiniu is accidentally killed by his
servants. In her fury, Cheng's mother has her servants beat Lin's father to death. Only
Magistrate Tang dares to try the case and with clever tricks, he defeats this arrogant
woman.
Chaoyanggou Village(Chaoyanggou): Yinhuan, a high school graduate, comes to
her fiancé’s home village, Chaoyanggou, to take part in agricultural production. Meeting a
lot of difficulties, she wavers between two choices: settling down in the backward village
or returning to the city for a comfortable life. Through labour, she begins to understand
the local people and is determined to devote her youth to the building of a new rich village.
Modern Woman, A(Fuliu Nuren): In the midst of China's urban and rural
economic reforms in the 1980s, Yang Hua, a young pretty widow, decides to open a village
clothing factory. But her remote mountain village criticizes her ambitious plan. Her
father-in-law and some grassroots cadres opposes her, but Yang does not give in. The
factory opens, a direct challenge to the village's traditional agrarian values.
Romantic Scholar, A(Fengliu Caizi): The opera vividly describes the beautiful
romance between Tang Bohu and Qiu Xiang. Tang was a romantic scholar chased by dozens of
charming women. He resists them all, including his cousin Feng Yulan, a beautiful lady from
a rich family. One spring day, Tang goes sightseeing on Suzhou's Huqiu Hill and encounters
Qiu Xiang, a maidservant with a high-ranking official's family. Tang falls in unrequited
love with Qiu. Giving up the opportunity for an official post and ignoring views of others,
he disguises himself as a servant to get close to Qiu Xiang. After experiencing countless
troubles, he achieves what he wishes.
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