During the long process of development, up to now, there are about 317 kinds of operas in
China, which have developed their own unique styles, depending on local dialects. Their music reflects their differences.
It is recorded that the earliest existing drama scenario isTop Scholar Zhang Xie,written in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).
In 1920, a Chinese scholar bought a copy ofThe Yong Le Encyclopedia(Volume 13991) from an antique market inLondon. It includes three ancient dramas, one of which isTop Scholar Zhang Xie. It was exciting news that a complete Southern Drama script had finally been found.
This script aroused great interest, because it retains all the features of theSouthern Drama. It is introduced by a narrator, and the characters start to perform as he is telling the audience the background to the play.
The story ofTop Scholar Zhang Xiegoes as follows: On his way to the capital to take part in the highest imperial examination, Zhang Xie runs into a group of bandits atFiveChickenMountain, and is seriously injured. A poor girl living in theMountainGodTempletakes care of him. Neighbors Li Dagong and his wife serve as go-betweens, and the two young people get married. Soon afterwards, Zhang Xie continues his journey to the capital. His wife cuts off her hair and sells it for his traveling expenses. Zhang Xie passes the imperial examination, and become the No.1 Scholar. His wife goes to the capital to look for him, but is turned away from his door. When passingFiveChickenMountain, Zhang Xie almost kills his wife with his sword, but she is saved by another official, who takes her as his adopted daughter. Finally, Zhang Xie and his wife are reunited.
Top Scholar Zhang Xieshows the traces of the transition from singing-and-recitation performance to the drama proper, and that is where its cultural value lies.
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