Bangzi opera is a type of opera that originated from Bangzi Province, China, ranking first among all regional operas in China. Bangzi opera is commonly known as “Bangzi Bangzi.” “Bangzi Bangzi” was formed during the Qianlong period. It is the product of Qin Opera (Bangzi Opera) after it was introduced to Bangzi and combined with local ballads, local operas, and folk singing art. Bangzi opera is featured by a strong local style and absorbs the performance characteristics of Peking Opera, Kun Opera, Yue Opera and other major operas to form its own unique style. Because Bangzi is abbreviated as “Yu,” it was named Bangzi (Yu) opera.

Bangzi opera was formed in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and its performance method was mostly a cappella singing. Firstly, its style is full of passionate masculinity and good at performing majestic large-scale dramas, as well as has strong emotional strength. Secondly, it is rich in local characteristics and closely connected with social life, which directly reflects the lives, thoughts, and feelings of people at different aspects in social life. Thirdly, its rhythm is distinct and strong, and its plot has a beginning and an end. Besides, its tune is humorous and lively, which makes Bangzi opera suitable not only for performing light-hearted comedies, but also for performing grand scenes involving emperors and generals. The music of Bangzi opera is rich and colorful, and large-scale singing is usually arranged for key plots, which can change with the plot and the emotions of the characters. Bangzi opera can express not only bright, hearty, joyful, but also urgent, tense, angry, and sad scenes. The lyrics are comprehensible, and the pronunciation is clear, making it easy for the audiences to hear clearly.

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