Anhui, with the Old Course of the Yellow River in the north and the drainage area of the Huaihe River in the south, lies in the meeting area of the two cultural origins of the Chinese nation. Therefore, the abundant local dramas popular in Anhui, have a long history. The number of genres of local drama exceeds 20, including the Huangmei, Hui, Lu, Sizhou and Huagu Operas of southern Anhui. The Huaibei Huagu Opera and the Huaibei Bangzi Opera are all influential and popular among local people.

Huangmei Opera

The Huangmei Opera originated in Huangmei county of Hubei province where the county meets Anqing of Anhui province. It was introduced to Anqing during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) of the Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). From then on, the local artists combined it with local folk songs and music, and the pronunciation of some words and rhythms of the Hui Opera. They then adopted the Anqing dialect to perform it. During the reign of Emperor Daoguang (1821-1850), a unique genre of drama—Huangmei Opera came into being. This new opera features expressive feelings with sweet and rich melodies and lyrics, graceful sounds and movements, and beautiful costumes and sets. Its music is light and lyrical.

Two types of music are used: coloratura (using trills) and basic tunes. The performers, with singing and dancing, create the characters of the roles. Passion, simplicity and purity is what makes the Huangmei Opera an enduring drama appreciated by all.

Han Zaifen (now in her 40s), a prominent artist so enthralled by Huangmei opera that she has, for decades, championed the traditional art form. Born in Qianshan county, Anhui province, Han Zaifen left for a local Huangmei opera troupe in nearby Anqing at the age of ten. She made her first appearance on the small screen in "Zheng Xiaojiao" at 16 and rose to stardom after a slew of attractive roles in "The Emperor's Female Son-in-law" and "The Cowherd and the Girl Weaver" amongst others, during the 1980s when Huangmei opera was the vogue. Now, Han is president of the Anqing Zaifen Huangmei Opera Art Theatre.

Click here to listen to four noted plays of Huangmei Opera

The 5th China Huangmei Opera Art Festival (2009-10-30)