What is Hebei Bangzi?

Hebei Bangzi is one of the ancient operas still active on the stage, with a history of about 200 years. It originated from Bangzi Opera in Shanxi and Shaanxi, belongs to a branch of Bangzi Opera, and is popular in southern Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing and other places. Hebei Bangzi's singing is a blend of folk customs and rhymes of the three places, with a high-pitched and passionate tune, which has the style of "Yanzhao is more generous and sorrowful" and is suitable for singing dramas with tragic content.

Historically, Hebei Bangzi used to have several names, such as Zhili Bangzi, Beijing Bangzi and Wei Bangzi, but these names are only the names of different stages, not titles. After Hebei Bangzi entered the second stage-"Wei Bangzi", it formed a fixed vocal system, and then continued to develop in three regions according to its own conditions.

The performance of Pei Yanling, a famous Hebei Bangzi master, has caused a sensation in China, Hongkong and Singapore. Especially, Zhong Kui, played by her, has both form and spirit, and her singing is loud and clear, which highlights Zhong Kui's helplessness because of her ugly appearance. Different from the style of Henan Bangzi, the tune of Henan Bangzi is humorous and suitable for relaxed comedy.