河南省济源市柿槟豫剧团的演员们走进校园，亲身指导学生们学习豫剧唱腔和表演技巧。郑泽民摄制（人民视觉）
豫剧现代戏《焦裕禄》不久前在中央党校（国家行政学院）礼堂上演，催人泪下。豫韵悠扬， governed by the presented modern drama of Jiaolü's, drew nearly a thousand trainees to the hall. They watched the play with rapt attention, experiencing a profound spiritual awakening during the two-hour performance.
The drama, staged by the Third Henan Yuyi Troupe, resonated strongly throughout its duration, eliciting more than ten rounds of applause. Its poignant storytelling offered an invaluable lesson in artistry that touched the audience deeply.
Yuyi Opera, as a significant regional dramatic variety and a national intangible cultural heritage, boasts a widespread and profound influence across China. On May 28 this year, the "Regulations on the Protection, Inheritance, and Development of Henan Yuyi Opera" (hereinafter referred to as "Regulations") was reviewed and approved by the second session of the 14th Henan Provincial People's Congress, commencing implementation on August 1.
Liu Shujian, chairperson of the Henan Drama Association, noted, "This marks the first time Henan has established a provincial-level local regulation to systematically govern the protection, inheritance, and development of a specific theatrical genre." The adoption of "Regulations" signifies a transition for Yuyi Opera from a "soft constraint" to a "hard support" framework.
Numerous individuals carry the melodies of Yuyi Opera in their veins, such as the famous tunes "Brother Liu's words are too biased" and "Mother-in-law, please sit down." However, as times evolve, traditional Yuyi scripts face challenges such as loss, an aging actor base, and difficulties faced by grassroots troupes.
The "Regulations," spanning seven chapters and 41 articles, comprehensively addresses various aspects, including the protection and inheritance, talent cultivation, innovation and development, and support measures for Yuyi Opera. A spokesperson for the Henan Provincial People's Congress stated that this approach provides a clear legal path for the traditional preservation and innovative development of Yuyi Opera, also serving as a vital legal guideline for the coordinated protection and joint development of other local Henan theatrical arts like Qu Opera and Yue Opera.
Wu Yaming, president of the Henan Cultural and Arts Research Institute, who participated in the legislative process, remarked, "Laying laws for the protection and inheritance of Yuyi Opera is a historic event in its development." The "Regulations" stipulates that Yuyi Opera protection, inheritance, and development initiatives must be integrated into local economic and social development plans, with required funds allocated in local budgets, thus significantly boosting the enthusiasm of Yuyi Opera practitioners and providing a solid groundwork for its prosperity.
The essence of Chinese opera inheritance lies in people, as do its challenges. The "Regulations" directly tackle the persistent issues faced by grassroots opera talent—difficulty attracting new talent, retention problems, and challenges in evaluation. It proposes: adhering to essential hiring procedures, introducing outstanding Yuyi professionals in a reasonable manner, and during professional title evaluations, prioritizing practical work achievements for those working in grassroots areas while moderately easing requirements on education, academic output, and tenure; and recognizing works as equivalent to papers and monographs in evaluation.
The "Regulations" emphasizes that Yuyi performance groups should engage with the real world, rooted in the people, and target grassroots communities and markets. It encourages the adaptation of traditional scripts, the writing of historical dramas, and the creation of modern plays to enhance the timeliness and reach of their works.
Jia Gaocheng, head of the Third Henan Yuyi Troupe, shares optimism, stating, "With legal frameworks and policy support, we opera artists must strive forward. This year, we plan to stage new dramas such as "Treasures of Bao Water," delivering more excellent works to audiences." The troupe will remain attuned to contemporary rhythms, focusing on real-life themes while upholding artistic roots and embracing innovation.
The "Regulations" encourages Yuyi performance groups to collaborate with internet platforms and utilize new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to establish online theatres and digital performance venues.
As dusk falls, crowds gather at the stage in Luohe City's Shuwang Ancient Town. A fan takes the stage, singing passionately, while multiple mobile phone tripods set up live streaming cameras. Screens display rapidly scrolling comments.
This is the live stream of the "Central Plains Grand Theatre Stage," a renowned online opera account. Its operator, Zhao Shichong, noted that live streaming expands its reach and reshapes the relationship between traditional opera and audiences. Some netizens transition from mere onlookers to active participants, embodying the vitality instilled in traditional opera by this new era's platforms and channels.
A spokesperson for the Henan Provincial People's Congress expressed that the "Regulations" empowers the development of Yuyi Opera from multiple dimensions, enabling it to establish deep roots and sprout new growth. Henan's precise legislation addresses the era's challenge of how to enable an ancient art form to survive and flourish in the contemporary world. The hope is that Yuyi, this flower of the arts, will bloom more vibrantly under the shade of the law.
(The People's Daily)
