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The Jingzhou flower-drum opera is one of the major local operas in Hubei Province. It is a kind of country opera that developed from local songs and dances that took on elements from other operas and formed in the lateMing Dynasty(1368-1644) on the Jianghan Plain.
Statistics show that there are still 197 Jingzhouflower drumopera plays still in existence. The plays have sheng (male roles), dan (female roles) and chou (comic roles).
Jingzhou flower drum opera music can be divided into the main aria and the ditty. The ditty has an elegant melody and bright rhythm. During a usual performance, one person sings and the others follow.
The performance is lively and full of local color. Drums and gongs accompany the performance.
The Jingzhou flower-drum opera is rooted in the Jianghan Plain. Since the 21st century, it has become increasingly difficult for the opera to continue. It is important to save the opera for the study and protection of folk art.
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