The Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall in Fuzhou is a comprehensive cultural venue built to commemorate Tang Xianzu, one of the world’s hundred great cultural figures and a master of Ming‑dynasty drama in China. It is also one of Jiangxi Province’s ten major memorial halls dedicated to historical luminaries.
Opera Trivia | Master the “Liyuan Slang” and Instantly Become an Opera Expert (Part 2)
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2023-01-07
“Setting up the altar”
When the play has not yet concluded and more than half of the audience has departed, it is said to have “risen to the hall.”
"Open the gate"
It is called “when the play is over and the guests have departed.”
"Hanging seat"
It is said to be a seat of special distinction.
“With color”
Like military terminology, it refers to being wounded.
“Hanging site”
Whenever a performer steps onto the stage to recite or chant and then exits, this is called “diaochang,” a practice used to supplement the performance when the actors’ costumes are not yet fully prepared. In Jin Shaoshan’s troupe, such diaochang scenes were quite common.
"Opening the venue"
Entering the stage when one should not is called "maochang."
“Bold adjustment”
The vocal mode sung surpasses that of the erhu, and is called “mao diao.”
"Quantity"
Singing does not harmonize with the erhu; this is called “liang zhi.”
"Before the Horse"
With time pressing, the libretto and staging are shortened; this is called “ma qian.”
“After the horse”
When it is still early, or when a certain character’s costume has not yet been completed, the stage manager may instruct the actors to extend their scenes; this is called “ma hou.”
“Lend a hand”
To perform alongside a renowned actor is called “crossing the blade.”
"Drilling Pot"
To step in at short notice and perform is called “drilling into the pot.”
“Code”
The plays performed at each corner are called “ma’er”; when asked what play is being staged, one simply replies, “What ‘ma’er’ is it?”
“Boss”
The term used to refer to an actor.
"Playing tricks" »
Intentionally making things difficult for others on stage is called “playing dirty.”
"Morning Strike"
When the emperor makes his appearance, the court officials first take their seats; once the emperor is seated, they step forward to pay their respects, an act known as “da chao.”
“Bright Image”
Upon stepping onto the stage, adopting an expression of complete concentration, this is referred to as a “bright appearance.”
"Qi Ba"
When the officers, helmeted and armored, step onto the stage to assume their formal postures in readiness, this is called “qi ba”; later, since the character “ba” was considered taboo, it came to be referred to as “qi geng.”
"Defective Flower"
When there is a splitting sound in the voice, it is called “ci hua.”
“Lamb Lamp”
When the rhythm of the catwalk is irregular, it is called “sheep lamp.”
“Dali”
When there are too few senior monks, expenses cannot be covered, and their roles in the performance are reduced—this is known as “da li.”
“Drinking Place”
Actors drink tea on stage, a practice known as “yin chang”; reportedly, some even substitute wine for tea.
Arson
Also known as “scattering rosin,” this refers to a situation where two people are discussing official business, and a third party intervenes to disrupt it—this is called “setting fire” or, alternatively, “scattering rosin.”
"Bold head"
To drop one’s helmet on the spot, revealing one’s true face, is called “tian tou.”
“Too strict!”
When the seat is already full, and the performance is also excellent, it is likewise called “yan.”
“Bit”
When the backend is running at a loss, it is said to be “with a bit in its mouth.”
“No rush”
It is said to mean that business is going well.
“Hao Yun”
On stage, speaking recklessly is called “ha yun”; if the main play cannot be found, a ghost must be dressed up backstage to pull the actor offstage.
When the play has not yet concluded and more than half of the audience has departed, it is said to have “risen to the hall.”
"Open the gate"
It is called “when the play is over and the guests have departed.”
"Hanging seat"
It is said to be a seat of special distinction.
“With color”
Like military terminology, it refers to being wounded.
“Hanging site”
Whenever a performer steps onto the stage to recite or chant and then exits, this is called “diaochang,” a practice used to supplement the performance when the actors’ costumes are not yet fully prepared. In Jin Shaoshan’s troupe, such diaochang scenes were quite common.
"Opening the venue"
Entering the stage when one should not is called "maochang."
“Bold adjustment”
The vocal mode sung surpasses that of the erhu, and is called “mao diao.”
"Quantity"
Singing does not harmonize with the erhu; this is called “liang zhi.”
"Before the Horse"
With time pressing, the libretto and staging are shortened; this is called “ma qian.”
“After the horse”
When it is still early, or when a certain character’s costume has not yet been completed, the stage manager may instruct the actors to extend their scenes; this is called “ma hou.”
“Lend a hand”
To perform alongside a renowned actor is called “crossing the blade.”
"Drilling Pot"
To step in at short notice and perform is called “drilling into the pot.”
“Code”
The plays performed at each corner are called “ma’er”; when asked what play is being staged, one simply replies, “What ‘ma’er’ is it?”
“Boss”
The term used to refer to an actor.
"Playing tricks" »
Intentionally making things difficult for others on stage is called “playing dirty.”
"Morning Strike"
When the emperor makes his appearance, the court officials first take their seats; once the emperor is seated, they step forward to pay their respects, an act known as “da chao.”
“Bright Image”
Upon stepping onto the stage, adopting an expression of complete concentration, this is referred to as a “bright appearance.”
"Qi Ba"
When the officers, helmeted and armored, step onto the stage to assume their formal postures in readiness, this is called “qi ba”; later, since the character “ba” was considered taboo, it came to be referred to as “qi geng.”
"Defective Flower"
When there is a splitting sound in the voice, it is called “ci hua.”
“Lamb Lamp”
When the rhythm of the catwalk is irregular, it is called “sheep lamp.”
“Dali”
When there are too few senior monks, expenses cannot be covered, and their roles in the performance are reduced—this is known as “da li.”
“Drinking Place”
Actors drink tea on stage, a practice known as “yin chang”; reportedly, some even substitute wine for tea.
Arson
Also known as “scattering rosin,” this refers to a situation where two people are discussing official business, and a third party intervenes to disrupt it—this is called “setting fire” or, alternatively, “scattering rosin.”
"Bold head"
To drop one’s helmet on the spot, revealing one’s true face, is called “tian tou.”
“Too strict!”
When the seat is already full, and the performance is also excellent, it is likewise called “yan.”
“Bit”
When the backend is running at a loss, it is said to be “with a bit in its mouth.”
“No rush”
It is said to mean that business is going well.
“Hao Yun”
On stage, speaking recklessly is called “ha yun”; if the main play cannot be found, a ghost must be dressed up backstage to pull the actor offstage.
(Still from a performance by the Fuzhou Municipal Center for Cultural and Artistic Development)
Reference: “Historical Materials on Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera during the Republic of China—Anecdotes from the Opera World” Submissions welcome: 363036353@qq.com
Reference: “Historical Materials on Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera during the Republic of China—Anecdotes from the Opera World” Submissions welcome: 363036353@qq.com
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