Zhang Yihuang – Aria from “Sao Chuang Hui” 张怡凰- 潮剧扫窗会
This sterling performance by First Grade Chaoju actress Zhang Yihuang (张怡凰) of Guangdong Chaoju Academy No. 1 Troupe (广东潮剧院一团) is Chaozhou opera in its most traditional form. It is a very demanding piece, henceforth not often performed. The expressive voice, fluid movements and subtle facial expressions, are classic features of traditional Chinese opera. This clip is taken from the recording of a live performance featuring excerpts from Zhang’s most representative works. “Sao Chuang Hui” (扫窗会), literally means “Reunion Through Window Sweep” – it’s adapted from the legendary tale of a peasant woman (Wang Jinzhen) who goes in search of her husband who has been forced to wed the daughter of an ifluential minister, thereby leaving her in the lurch. This woman eventually made her way to the household of the minister, masquerading as a servant, and found an opportunity to meet her husband through a window cleaning task. Featured here is just the 10-min opening aria of the 65-min excerpt.
Tags: Chaoju, Chaozhou, chinese, Chuang, culture, Hui, opera, São, Teochew, traditional, Yihuang, Zhang