Yu Opera 豫剧

Yu Opera, also called "Henan Clapper Opera" or "Henan High Tune", is a major local opera in Henan Province and enjoys nationwide popularity. There are four styles in Yu Opera : Xiangfu (from Xiangfu County), Yudong (East Henan), Yuxi (Western Henan) and Shahe (Shahe County). It is noted for its skill-demanding melodies, fluent tune, strong rhythm and intensive use of spoken language. Its simple and plain performance as well as its strong local flavor, always provokes the applause of the audience. There are more than 600 traditional pays in the repertoire of Yu Opera. Famous perf ormers are Chang Xiangyu, Chen Suzhen, Cui 匕 antian, Gao Jie, Wei Yuan and Ma Lin.