The Theatricality Of Qupai Form

The classical Qupai form in China has a long history and has formed a unique artistic system.Over the past century,Western drama theories have taken root and developed in China,profoundly and extensively influencing the creative theories and art forms of Xiqu(Chinese classical opera).As its most important representative: Classical Qupai form in Kunqu Opera,has seen the revival of traditional repertoire alongside the emergence of new creations in the new social and artistic ecological environment.The theatricality issues of Qupai form need to be discussed in depth.This thesis conducts research from four dimensions: independence,integration,the theatricality characteristics of Qupai form itself,and artistic practice.The artistic essence of Kunqu Opera lies in vocal singing,using a musical form called Qupai,where each Qupai has independent musical piece with fixed literary formats and musical standards.Different Qupai combinations constitute different movements.Using this musical structure,combined with literary content,dramatic dialogue,and singing performance,forms the performance mode of classical Qupai form theater.Western drama in China is primarily represented by spoken drama,lacking singing or music in its stage performance characteristics.There is no metrical language or musical medium for singing.The dramatic theory is more inclined towards techniques such as dramatic conflicts,situational settings,character portrayal,and plot suspense,which have deeply influenced Xiqu(Chinese classical opera).On one hand,dramatic theory has enhanced the artistic and aesthetic value of Xiqu(Chinese classical opera),for example,by condensing performance time,intensifying dramatic conflicts,and strengthening character portrayal.On the other hand,in pursuit of stronger theatrical effects,new creations in Xiqu(Chinese classical opera)have reduced adherence to the essence of music,weakening the role of Xiqu’s(Chinese classical opera)singing as a medium of dramatic expression.However,the essence of Xiqu(Chinese classical opera)lies in singing,especially the unique style of Kunqu Opera singing.Kunqu Opera has a large number of Qupai pieces,with over five thousand extant,each with its own singing effects,influenced by factors such as musical pitch,singing speed,vocal range,complexity of melodies,situational usage,and character identities.The musical structure of Qupai,constrained by factors such as tonal system,instrumental accompaniment,literary form,and rhythmic patterns,has formed its unique theatricality expression.Therefore,the theatricality essence of Qupai form lies first in its singing music,followed by the rich use of musical techniques to meet theatrical needs,thus forming a new Qupai form music system in China.Therefore,Chinese classical Qupai singing music itself possesses a considerable degree of theatrical quality.Theatrical works in Qupai form fully utilize this musical characteristic,making Qupai singing the primary means of theatrical expression.They utilize the Qupai musical structure to carry a large amount of dramatic content,which is then presented systematically and skillfully through the singing and costumes of actor’s acting.The unique attributes of Qupai theatricality serve as an important foundation for contemporary Kunqu Opera to thrive in the realm of theatrical arts.