What is the oldest play in China?

The oldest drama in China is Kunqu Opera.

Kunqu Opera is an ancient drama in China. In the course of historical evolution, Kunqu once had many names, such as Kunshan dialect, Kundiao, Kunqu, Nanqu, Nanyin and Ya Bu.

Generally speaking, Kunshan dialect is used to express the voice of Chinese opera, and Kunqu opera is used to express music, especially for the oratorios under the stage. Kunqu opera refers to the performing arts and is called Kunqu opera.

Kunqu opera is a kind of drama that only uses Kunqu opera as a single cavity to perform stories. Generally speaking, Kunshan dialect is used to express the voice of Chinese opera, and Kunqu opera is used to express music, especially under the stage, while Kunqu opera refers to the performing arts, which is called Kunqu opera.

Extended data:

Kunqu Opera originated in the late Yuan Dynasty (/kloc-mid-4th century) and is the oldest drama in China, which originated in Kunshan, Suzhou. The drama system has always belonged to the Southern Opera School. At first, it was limited to Suzhou and Hangzhou, and then it began to flow into Beijing at the end of Wanli.

From the mid-Ming Dynasty to the mid-Qing Dynasty, Kunqu Opera became the most influential vocal opera, and many operas were developed on the basis of Kunqu Opera, such as our national quintessence "Beijing Opera". Therefore, Kunqu Opera is called "the father and teacher of all kinds of operas".

Kunqu Opera is a kind of opera with the most complete performance system in the history of China opera. Kunqu Opera plays an important role in the history of literature, drama, music and dance in China. Kunqu opera also has its own unique system and style, the biggest feature is strong lyricism, particularly delicate movements, clever and harmonious combination of singing and dancing. Linguistically, it is divided into Nankun and Beikun.

The gorgeous and tactful singing, elegant speech, exquisite performance and elegant dance of Kunqu Opera, coupled with perfect stage setting, such as the classic Peony Pavilion of Kunqu Opera, can be said to have reached the highest level in all aspects of opera performance. This is because Kunqu Opera has a high artistic and cultural connotation, and many plays in China have been influenced by Kunqu Opera.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Kunju Opera