Northeast ErrenZhuan

Introduction of Northeast ErrenZhuan

This is a form of duet, also known as bengbeng. it originated in the three provinces of northeast China-Liaoning, jilin and Heilongiiang. It is a form of quyi which involves story telling, singing and dancing, between two performers. Bengbaphas a history of 200 years. the script is written in popular language which is easy to understand, humorous, and rich in local life style and flavor. The vocal music is based on that of the northeastern folk songs. Beng Beng is a blend of the northeast dagu Lianhualao, ping and Hebei clapper performances. The singing is high-spirited and of an explosive type, sincere and moving. The dancing is derived from farmers' dances done to celebrate sowing and planting. It also features the folk dance technique of waving fans or silk handkerchiefs. In addition, it employs martial arts stunts adapted from Peking Opera. There are three kinds of errenZhuan. The most important is the duet Sung by a clown and a player who acts the role of a woman. It is part song, part dance and part story telling. The most prominent items include The Western Bower and The Blue Bridge The second type is a solo, in which the player sings and dances, such as Hong Yue'e Had a Dream. In the third type the actor sings the part of a woman or an old man, as in an opera. This is called lachangxi. An example is Lord Bao Gong Makes an Apology.

ErrenZhuan is rich in vocal music, and some 300 names of qupai musical scores are known to this genre. About 50-60 are stock ones, some rendered repeatedly during performances. The most famous programs include huhuqiang labapaizi and wenhaihai The traditional errenzhuan repertoire contains over 300 items, usually divided into sets of four major items, such as Gang jian, Qtw Lu Xun Yang Lou and Tie Guan Tu and sets of four minor items, such as Wetern,Bower, The Blue Bridg, Yin Hun Zhen and Li Cuilian Pan Dao. New programs have appeared during the past several decades, Such as Harvest Bridge,]ie Gu Niang and Liu Chuntao, which have gained high ratings from audiences. (Fig.1-18)

Leading EopRzhuan Artists

The list includes Li Qingshan (1904-1978), who was born in Shulan, jilin Province. He was a cowherd in his childhood. At the age of 15, he studied dayangge and errenzhuan under Zhang Xiangchen. Li Qingshan won renown as an errenzhuan performer at the age of 18 in northeast China. When playing the role of a woman, he used the name Da jin Xiang Yu.Later he used another stage name, Da ji Qi, when he played a clown. Li had a unique way of handling dialogue. He was particularly good at extempore dialogue, with which he won the hearts and minds of audiences. He played three types of erauan with equal Success. Hong Yue'e Had a Dream and Shua jing jia were his outstanding solo programs.

Xu Xiaoluo (1906-1969), a native of Shengyang, used Shuang Hong as his stage name. He was accomplished in singing, acting and dancing. His performances always brought to life the characters he portrayed. Dan Dao Fu HUwas his favorite item.

Hu Jingqi (1917-), a native of Fushun, Liaoning Province, used the stage name Hu Erlang. He was renowned for his beautiful dancing postures and fine appearance in makeup. The favorite items he performed were Lord Bao Gong Makes an Apotw The Blue Bridge and Three Chickens. Zheng Xifa, Gu BoIin and Ma Li are also celebrated artists in this genre. Throughout its 200 years of history, errenzhuan has enjoyed great popularity. This is because its development was not divorced from the people, as they are the soil on which the art blossoms. Feelings, expressions and interest in artistic appreciation are deeply rooted in the lives of the people.