Hunan Opera, a traditional opera from Hunan Province, was oncepopular across twelve counties of ancient Changsha Prefecture. lts traditional repertoire mainly comes from the Southern Opera (Nanxi) ofthe late Song Dynasty, the Zaju of the Yuan Dynasty, and the Legendary Opera (Chuanqi) of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During its development. It has absorbed elements from Yiyang Opera, Kunqu Opera, and PihuangStyle, evolving into four major vocal styles: High, Low, Kun, and Chaotic.Using the Zhongzhou rhyme in both spoken and sung parts, the operafollows strict formal conventions. With its exquisite staging, elaboratecostumes, and striking facial makeup, this opera exudes a unique localcharm of Hunan.

Source: Changsha Library