The Research Of Susong Wennanci Opera

With its distinct local characteristics and cultural value, Wennanci of Susong is a kind of folk opera which is popular in the boundary area among Anhui, Hubei and Jiangxi Provinces. Its one hundred odd history dates back to the late-Ming and early-Qing Dynasty, when migrants from Huangmei county of Hubei Province migrated to Susong County because of flood disaster and brought Wennanci to Susong together. In 2008, Wennanci of Susong was listed in the second national non-material cultural heritage list, opening the new chapter of its development.During a hundred year’s development, Wennanci of Susong has formed its own unique operatic tune system and its abundant repertoires, revealing how folk arts in the boundary area among Anhui, Hubei and Jiangxi Provinces interchanged and integrated. On the other hand, as one of a type of folk operas lacking independence, its developing course also shows the predicament it meets.The paper comprises four chapters text.Chapter one:The Source of Wennanci of SusongIn this chapter, research of the origins of Wennanci’s official/ rarely known names and the exposition of Wenci and Nanci is illustrated. With the study of Wennanci of Susong’s operatic tune in the specific context of its three different periods (Walk-singing period, Sit-singing period and Opera-singingperiod), conclusion is draw that the musical sources of Wennanci of Susong are Chinese folk songs and rap arts popular in the boundary among Anhui, Hubei and Jiangxi Provinces. In addition, it is concluded that accelerated by Latern opera of Susong, Wennanci of Susong finally breaks through and takes shape as opera by absorbing the musical and performing type of High cavity, Tanhuang Tune and Storytelling with Drum in Susong, the music of Hanju, Jiangxi Opera and Huangmei Opera, as well as the skill of Duansixian Gongs and Drums.Chapter two:New opinions against sororal arts theory between Wennanci of Susong and Huangmei OperaAfter contrasting the development course of Wennanci of Susongand Huangmei Opera in different historical context, unbalance in development of this two sororal operas due is found and causes concerning different aspects like development law, developing direction, policies about opera and age change were summarized. On the basic of the above summary, there are further contrast and discussion between Wennanci of Susong and Huangmei Opera in the aspect of source, operatic tune and historical relationship. New theory is illustrated that sWennanci of Susongis not the sororal partner but the depender of Huangmei Opera.Chapter three:The research of repertoires of Wennanci of SusongBased on the collection and collation of its repertoires and scripts, the existence, types and source of the repertoires of Wennanci of Susong are introduced, classified and well studied. With the study and analysis of specific repertoires, It is summarized that the theme of Wennanci of Susong is mainly about ethic education, pursuit of free love and devotion to the hometown. As for the artistic features, humorous style, plain diction and distinct character are its main characteristics.Chapter four:The survival situation of Wennanci of Susong and the strategy of its protection and development.According to the field investigation, the audience of Wennanci of Susong is roundly shrinking and its repertoires are severely lost. Its cultural identity is come to a dilemma but the power of protection is decentralized. Based on its survival situation, strategies of protection and development are put forward, including saving and restoring the repertoires, fighting for the interest of aged folk artists, taking the folk troupes seriously and founding the communicative approaches.