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Mulian Opera, China's oldest theatric genre which dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), is put back on stage in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, June 8, 2014. Recognized as the 'living fossil of Chinese theater,' the genre has been rarely performed since the 1950s. [Photo: Chinanews.com/Zhang Jun]
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Mulian Opera boasts the richest content and the largest scale. Filial piety is highly valued as Mulian saves his mother. This corresponds with the traditional Chinese morals which give priority to filial piety over any other kindness. Of all the places where Mulian Opera is preserved today, Qimen is quite significant.
Ni Qun, a sociologist specializing in Mulian Opera studies, says the opera has a special meaning to Qimen. “The Mulian opera in Qimen is performed in the oldest and most primitive form preserved from the Yuan Dynasty about 800 years ago. What's more, the author of the most famous and influential Mulian Opera script Zheng Zhizhen was from Qimen. He added the local folk traditions to Mulian Opera,” Ni said.
Ni also said that Mulian Opera in Qimen town has its own characteristics. It features a fixed and reliable repertoire, authentic and colorful arias, magical and exaggerated makeup, and a complete package of costumes and paraphernalia. It also features ostentation and extravagance.
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