Su Opera

Su Opera is popular in southern Jiangsu Province and northern Zhejiang Province. It is made up of three different traditional performances: the Kun Opera, nanci, and huangtanhuang.

Su Opera music is beautiful and gentle. This comes from the influence of the Kun Opera. In Su Opera, one actor usually plays several roles, and the erhu is the main accompaniment.

Traditional Su Opera is divided into qiantan and houtan. Qiantan mostly originated from Kun Opera. Some examples of Kun-influenced Su Opera are Xisiangji and Mudanting. The plots and dialogues are similar to those found in Kun Opera. Su opera is closely related to Kun opera in literature, music and performance and fully reflects the special flavor of Suzhou culture. In recent years, popular culture and modern art have had a grave impact on Su opera. As a result, audience sizes have greatly decreased and it is difficult for the troupes to continue operating.

This important local opera urgently needs protection.