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 Connoisseur (Part 3)
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2023-01-07
“Setting up a framework”
Onstage, one asks; backstage, one answers; those who do not appear are said to be “setting up the stage.”
“ Embossing
The practice of joking with an elder and being punished for it is called “da tui er,” so named because the person being reprimanded has their cheeks puffed out, and one strikes them with the palm of the hand.
“Pounding the melon tendon”
Deceiving people out of their money and then vanishing without a trace—this was once called “hitting the melon tendon,” but it is now known as “melon‑sauce.”
“Growing a beard”
When an opera singer grows a beard, it signifies that they will no longer perform on stage.
“Chop the net”
If an actor, for some reason, were to chop up the costume used in a performance—namely, the “Gangshou” prop—he would be deemed to have treated the art of acting with utter disregard; should such a thing occur, it would be regarded by others as a most grievous humiliation.
“Burn the bedding”
When a performer violated a serious rule of the guild and could no longer be tolerated in the theatrical world, his bedding was burned to signify that he was publicly disowned by all.
“Teething Tablet”
In a theatrical troupe, the yahu is like the military command token: whenever matters of the troupe are presented by means of the yahu, they must be carried out without fail.
“Tongda Tang”
If one person commits a fault, the entire class is held accountable—this is known as “tong da tang,” and this rule applies only within the formal training system.
“Sitting in the courtroom”
When a serious matter arises during the shift, the person in charge convenes a meeting of all members, known as holding court.
“Stir-fried chives”
It refers to the utter chaos of acting or getting things done.
"Eat chestnuts"
When the articulation of singing and recitation becomes impaired, it is said to be “eating millet,” also known as “yin-gua.”
“Hugging the leaves”
Stealing the merits of others is called “grabbing the leaves.”
“Crested Crane”
When singing, the voice sometimes produces an off-pitch or strained note; this is called 'mao xianhe'.
“Talking about official business”
When the manager and the various departments discuss the play’s plot and roles, they do not disclose it to the general public; this is called “talking official business,” also known as “speaking in official jargon.”
“Chewing on the balcony railing”
The actor deliberately wants to be good.
"Resting one’s chin on the hand"
When one character does not wish another to be his partner, this is called “resting one’s cheek on the other’s shoulder.”
(Still from a performance by the Fuzhou Municipal Center for Cultural and Artistic Development)
Reference: “Historical Materials on Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera of the Republic of China: Anecdotes from the Opera World” Submissions welcome: 363036353@qq.com
Onstage, one asks; backstage, one answers; those who do not appear are said to be “setting up the stage.”
“ Embossing
The practice of joking with an elder and being punished for it is called “da tui er,” so named because the person being reprimanded has their cheeks puffed out, and one strikes them with the palm of the hand.
“Pounding the melon tendon”
Deceiving people out of their money and then vanishing without a trace—this was once called “hitting the melon tendon,” but it is now known as “melon‑sauce.”
“Growing a beard”
When an opera singer grows a beard, it signifies that they will no longer perform on stage.
“Chop the net”
If an actor, for some reason, were to chop up the costume used in a performance—namely, the “Gangshou” prop—he would be deemed to have treated the art of acting with utter disregard; should such a thing occur, it would be regarded by others as a most grievous humiliation.
“Burn the bedding”
When a performer violated a serious rule of the guild and could no longer be tolerated in the theatrical world, his bedding was burned to signify that he was publicly disowned by all.
“Teething Tablet”
In a theatrical troupe, the yahu is like the military command token: whenever matters of the troupe are presented by means of the yahu, they must be carried out without fail.
“Tongda Tang”
If one person commits a fault, the entire class is held accountable—this is known as “tong da tang,” and this rule applies only within the formal training system.
“Sitting in the courtroom”
When a serious matter arises during the shift, the person in charge convenes a meeting of all members, known as holding court.
“Stir-fried chives”
It refers to the utter chaos of acting or getting things done.
"Eat chestnuts"
When the articulation of singing and recitation becomes impaired, it is said to be “eating millet,” also known as “yin-gua.”
“Hugging the leaves”
Stealing the merits of others is called “grabbing the leaves.”
“Crested Crane”
When singing, the voice sometimes produces an off-pitch or strained note; this is called 'mao xianhe'.
“Talking about official business”
When the manager and the various departments discuss the play’s plot and roles, they do not disclose it to the general public; this is called “talking official business,” also known as “speaking in official jargon.”
“Chewing on the balcony railing”
The actor deliberately wants to be good.
"Resting one’s chin on the hand"
When one character does not wish another to be his partner, this is called “resting one’s cheek on the other’s shoulder.”
(Still from a performance by the Fuzhou Municipal Center for Cultural and Artistic Development)
Reference: “Historical Materials on Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera of the Republic of China: Anecdotes from the Opera World” Submissions welcome: 363036353@qq.com
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