Known as the living fossil of opera is

Nuo Opera is the most primitive opera, also known as the living fossil of the opera world, and it is one of the oldest cultures in China.

Some people think that the living fossil of traditional Chinese opera is "Kunqu Opera", but Kunqu Opera originated more than 600 years ago and was created by Gu Jian, a native of Kunshan. Nuo opera originated from Fang Xiang's desire to exorcise evil spirits in Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

During the Jiajing period of Ming Dynasty, Wei Liangfu, an outstanding Kunqu musician and reformer, boldly reformed Kunshan Opera, absorbing the characteristics of Yu Yaoqiang Opera, Yiyang Opera and Haiyan Opera which were popular at that time, and formed a new tune, which was very popular. Because this tune is soft and delicate, like zongzi made of water mill powder eaten by Jiangnan people, there is an interesting name called "water mill tune", which is today's Kunqu opera. )

Introduction to Nuo Opera: 1. Definition: Nuo opera, also known as ghost opera, is the oldest dance to entertain the gods in the Han nationality, offering sacrifices to the gods to jump ghosts, driving away the plague and avoiding the epidemic, showing Anqing.

2. Origin and development: (1) Nuo opera is a synthesis of history, folklore, folk religion and primitive drama, which originated from the exorcism of Fang in Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

(2) After the Han Dynasty, it gradually developed into a sacrificial ceremony with strong entertainment and musical elements.

(3) Around the Song Dynasty, under the influence of folk songs, dances and dramas, Nuo opera began to evolve into a Nuo opera for the purpose of rewarding the gods.

3. Performance characteristics: (1) Nuo opera takes masks as an important means of artistic modeling, and its content is mostly related to religious ghosts and gods.

(2) The performers of Nuo Opera wear painted masks according to their roles, commonly known as "Lianzi", which are divided into "No.1, No.2, Sansheng, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7 and No.8"; Its performance is commonly known as "jumping Nuo", and the scene is often accompanied by gongs and drums.

(3) Representative plays include Catch the Yellow Ghost, Catch the Senior High School Entrance Examination of Liu, Grazing Grain, Xue Dongzheng, Ponzi Girl, Girl of the Dragon King, Peach Blossom Cave God, Land of Liangshan, etc. In addition, there are some scripts adapted from the story of Journey to the West in Mulian Biography and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.