Why are there differences between northern and southern operas?

Differences between North and South Drama

China's plays have a long history and are profound. Beijing opera has been promoted to national quintessence, and other dramas are also full of factions. But on reflection, it can be basically divided into two categories: North Opera and South Opera. The northern part is represented by Henan Opera, Shanxi Opera, Shaanxi Opera and Hebei Bangzi, while the southern part is represented by Huangmei Opera and Yue Opera. They are quite different in style.

The first is the difference in subject matter. Most of the dramas in northern China are mainly about military themes, such as Empty City, Han Qi Killing the Temple, Mu Commanding, Yuanmen Chopping the Son, etc. Mulan in Jin Opera, Zhu Yuanzhang's Husband, Changbanpo and Broken Mianchi in Henan Opera, etc. Most southern dramas are about love, such as The West Chamber, The Jade Hairpin, Meng Lijun, Butterfly Lovers, Peacock Flying Southeast, The Fairy Couple and Xu in Huangmei Opera.

Secondly, the difference between singing and clothing. The northern opera sings loudly, forcefully and boldly, while the southern opera gently touches the warbler. The costumes of northern dramas are often bright red and purple, while those in the south are elegant and subtle. Including Facebook, its north is also colorful, while its south is almost a plain.

Third, the difference of accompaniment instrumental music. The musical instruments of Northern Opera are mainly percussion instruments, such as gongs, drums and cymbals. The musical instruments of Southern Opera are mainly orchestral instruments, such as flute, dulcimer, guzheng and pipa.

In fact, the difference of drama styles between the North and the South is a concrete manifestation of regional cultural differences, which embodies the characteristics of China's vast territory and cultural diversity.