Zhu Wenhua – Inheritor of Huadeng Opera in Fumin County, Kunming 

Early Life and Background

Zhu Wenhua (朱文华), a male member of the Han ethnic group, was born in 1950 in Yanghuzhi Village, Kuanzhuang Township, Fumin County (昆明市富民县款庄乡杨胡子村), Kunming, Yunnan Province. After completing his high school education, he returned to his hometown and became part of the “Sent-Down Youth” (知青) movement during the Cultural Revolution, a group of young intellectuals sent to rural areas to support agriculture and learn from peasants.

Observations and Contributions to Huadeng Opera

Zhu Wenhua is known for his keen observations of everyday life, which he uses as the foundation for his theatrical works. His ability to draw inspiration from daily experiences and transform them into dramatic material has made him a prolific playwright. Through careful study and practice, Zhu mastered the music and percussion instruments of Huadeng Opera (花灯戏), a traditional form of Chinese opera that originated in the region of Kunming.

Since he began his theatrical creations in 1969, Zhu Wenhua has written over 90 works, including full-length Huadeng operas and short comedic sketches. His contributions have established him as one of the most productive amateur playwrights in Fumin County (富民县) and Kunming (昆明市), enriching the local cultural scene with his works.

Achievements in Drama and Recognition

Zhu Wenhua’s works have been frequently featured in various cultural and artistic events at the county and municipal levels, including county and city literary gatherings, annual performances, and special occasions like the Chinese New Year. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards. In 1987, the Kunming City Cultural Center published an article titled “Zhu Wenhua, the Enthusiastic Playwright” to celebrate his contributions to local theater.

Several of his short plays, such as Chasing the Grandfather (撵公公) and Feng Shui Treasure Land (风水宝地), were included in Kunming’s opera album collection. Other works like Miracle Cure (灵丹妙药), Red Flag Flies (风展红旗), The Sunny Hotel (向阳酒店), Avoiding Happy Events (躲喜事), and Zhao Shun Sells Medicine (赵顺卖药) have earned second and third prizes in Kunming’s touring drama performances.

Recent Works

More recently, Zhu Wenhua has continued to contribute to the development of Huadeng Opera with plays such as Marrying a Daughter-in-Law (娶媳妇), Celebrating Birthdays (过生日), and Master and Apprentice’s Love (师徒相亲). These works not only reflect his artistic innovation but also his dedication to keeping the spirit of Huadeng Opera alive in modern times.

Contribution to the Popularization of Huadeng Opera

Zhu Wenhua’s diligent efforts have greatly contributed to the enrichment of the cultural life of local communities. Through his theatrical productions, he has played a significant role in popularizing and preserving Huadeng Opera in the region, ensuring that this traditional form of folk performance continues to thrive.

Membership in Cultural Organizations

In recognition of his dedication to the arts, Zhu Wenhua joined the Kunming Folk Artists Association (昆明市民间文艺家协会) in 1987. The same year, he attended a drama creation seminar hosted by the Cultural Bureau in Yiliang and participated in a revision class organized by the Kunming Cultural Bureau in Chengjiang. In 1988, Zhu Wenhua graduated from the Correspondence Department of the National Drama Creation Training Center.

His contributions to the local drama scene were further solidified when he became a member of the Kunming Drama Association (昆明市戏剧家协会) in 1999, further cementing his influence on the preservation and promotion of regional theatrical arts.

Legacy and Future

Zhu Wenhua’s legacy as an inheritor of Huadeng Opera is built on his continuous dedication to creating meaningful works that reflect the lives and stories of his community. His efforts have not only enriched the cultural fabric of Fumin County (富民县) and Kunming (昆明市) but have also ensured the lasting presence of Huadeng Opera in the modern world. By drawing from the traditions of his ancestors while embracing contemporary themes and techniques, Zhu has ensured that Huadeng Opera remains a dynamic and evolving art form.

As an advocate for the integration of traditional theater with contemporary culture, Zhu Wenhua’s continued contributions will likely inspire future generations of performers and playwrights, ensuring the continued relevance of Huadeng Opera in the years to come.

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3364.html