Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry in Hubei Province, China

Abstract

Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry is a traditional Chinese performing art that features intricately crafted shadow puppets ,distinctive regional singing styles, and a rich repertoire of stories presented through shadow play. The objectives of this research were as follows :1) To investigate the historical development of Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry, China; 2) To analyze music characteristics of Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry, China; 3) To explore the protection and the promotion of Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry, China. The research utilized observation forms, interview forms, and questionnaires with two key informants as research tools. The results of this research reveal the following:

Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry has grown and declined for more than 2,000 years. The researcher divided the shadow puppetry into the following historical stages: Formative Period (202BC-763AD). Mature Period(766-1368AD). Prosperous Period(1368- 1796AD). Period of Decline (1796-1976AD). Contemporary Historical Development Period (1949-2020AD). According to the development in different historical periods ,discover the evolution process of each stage. The Jiang Han PingYuan shadow puppetry we see now has developed through different stages of history.

The researcher conducted field surveys and selected the most distinctive music from a large amount of data for analysis. Its main features are: distinctive style and rich musical melody. The musical interval span is large, the melody is sonorous and powerful, and the music that tells the story is delicate and graceful.

According to the suggestions for the protection and promotion of shadow puppetry, the research results are applied to governments, schools, scientific research institutions, and nongovernmental organizations. So that Jiang Han Ping Yuan shadow puppetry can be better protected and developed.

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