The Pearl of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage—Huangmei Opera

◎安徽省淮北市第十二中学 何晨宇 指导教师：王苗苗

黄梅戏的魅力不仅在于它的艺术价值，还在于它所承载的文化内涵和历史底蕴。

Huangmei Opera, a local drama in Anhui Province, is considered as the Pearl of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by its special charm and rich cultural heritage.

The origin of Huangmei Opera could date from the Tang Dynasty, originating from the Picking Tea Song in Huangmei County, Hubei Province.Gradually, with the love and support of local people,Huangmei Opera got further development in the Anqing area of Anhui Province.

The development of Huangmei Opera was filled with difficulties and challenges.In the late Qing Dynasty, with the social unrest( 动 荡) and changes, the overall development of opera art was affected.So was Huangmei Opera.However, the performers who had a good command of Huangmei Opera insisted on developing it.After the found of the People’s Republic of China, Huangmei Opera returned to our daily life with strong support and promotion from the government.

Its representative works includeTian Xian Pei( 天仙配),Female Consort Prince(女驸马)and so on.For example,Tian Xian Peiis a traditional classic play of Huangmei Opera, telling a moving love story.In the story, the Seventh Fairy and Dong Yong fell in love,but love between fairies and ordinary people was forbidden.Getting through many difficulties, they moved the Jade Emperor with sincerity and courage.Finally, the Seventh Fairy and Dong Yong lived together happily.

Today, Huangmei Opera has a great influence on our lives.It is not only a key part of fine traditional Chinese culture, but also an important carrier of contemporary art, culture, society, and international exchanges.In recent years, the government and local people have made great efforts to strengthen the protection and support of Huangmei Opera, such as training a new generation of Huangmei Opera performers and holding some performances and competitions.Through their tireless efforts,Huangmei Opera is now getting well inherited.