Linwu Nuo opera: Folk art treasure of tradition and innovation

Linwu Nuo opera is an ancient folk art from Linwu county in Chenzhou, a city in Central China's Hunan province. It is hailed as the "living fossil of Chinese drama".

Originating from ancient Nuo rituals, this unique art form blends Chinese shamanism, religion, folklore, music, and dance elements. The opera is known for its colorful and diverse masks representing gods, spirits, and historical figures.

Actors adorned in traditional masks and costumes perform the Nuo opera. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Actors employ exaggerated gestures and expressions to vividly bring characters to life and intensely portray their personalities and emotions. The singing styles range from powerful and impassioned to soft and melodic. Accompanied by traditional instruments, this creates a mystical atmosphere.

Wang Taibao, a fifth-generation heir to this tradition, has dedicated himself to preserving and evolving Nuo opera. He has curated scripts, masks, and costumes while refining performance techniques to revitalize this ancient art form.

Wang has sparked interest among younger generations through participation in domestic and international cultural exchanges and utilizing new media, inviting them to learn more about Nuo opera. He also runs training programs to cultivate the next generation of performers.

Despite the challenges of modernization, Wang continues to innovate and blend Nuo opera with modern life to broaden its appeal. He advocates for increased support and protection to ensure this cultural gem's continued growth and preservation for future generations.