Huadeng Opera in Songming County, Kunming

Overview of Songming Huadeng (嵩明花灯)

Songming Huadeng (嵩明花灯) is one of the key regions in Yunnan where the traditional Huadeng Opera is preserved and performed. The cultural heritage of Songming County (嵩明县), located in Kunming, is marked by a long-standing tradition of Huadeng performances, which are a type of folk opera often associated with local festivals and celebrations.

Historical Significance and Evolution

Historically, Songming Huadeng was a vibrant part of local culture, with over 200 villages once engaging in Huadeng activities. In addition to the Lantern Festival (元宵节) performances, Songming Huadeng also thrived in various folk temple fairs (庙会), and the performance period could last anywhere from one to two months.

The style of Huadeng in Songming is noted for its diversity. The performances are typically divided into two parts:

• “Tuanchang” (团场): The opening program, which is characterized by a lively and festive atmosphere, typically includes paired male and female performers engaging in song and dance.
• “Zuochang” (坐场): This section features smaller plays, songs, and dances, with a focus on smaller operas or “xiao xi” (小戏).

Unique Features and Performance Styles

Songming Huadeng is particularly known for its xiao xi (小戏), or small operas, which include approximately 70 different plays. Among these, the “Jiang Kou Xi” (讲口戏) style is unique to the region and features dialogues without musical accompaniment, which sets it apart from Huadeng traditions in other regions.

In the 1950s, the “Tuanchang” portion of Songming Huadeng was adapted by the General Political Department’s Song and Dance Troupe into the “Hong Deng Wu” (红灯舞) performance, which was showcased at the “World Youth Festival” and gained national recognition.

Although the tradition faced setbacks after the 1950s, during which Huadeng performances were disrupted for years, the tradition saw a revival in the 1980s. However, with the passing of several skilled traditional performers, some plays, tunes, and performance styles have slowly faded away.

Notable Performances and Cultural Influence

Some of the more well-known Huadeng tunes and performances from Songming Huadeng, such as “Songming Picking Tea” (嵩明采茶), “Wang’s Water Carrying” (王氏挑水), and “Eagle Spreads Its Wings” (老鹰亮翅), have spread across Yunnan, becoming widely recognized and frequently performed by various Huadeng troupes throughout the province. Despite the challenges faced by the tradition, Songming Huadeng remains a significant cultural expression and an important aspect of Yunnan’s rich folk art heritage.

For further details, visit Huadeng Opera in Songming County.