Muju Opera is one of many existing traditional (opera) in China. As one of the only two local operas in Chun'an county, the opera boasts a history of more than 100 years and (list) as a national intangible cultural heritage item in 2011.
Muju Opera was developed on the (base) of folk literature, songs and dances, and contains the essence (精华) of many folk performing arts such as the tea-picking opera, the flower drum opera and Huangmei opera, as well as the Chun'an local bamboo horse dance.
Muju Opera originated in late Qing Dynasty (1644—1911) in Muzhou city, the area (make) up of Chun'an county in Hangzhou, Changshan county and Kaihua county in Quzhou, Wuyuan county in Jiangxi province, and Shexian county in Anhui province.
Muju Opera reached (it) peak between 1928 and 1934. A county-level Muju Opera troupe (剧团), was founded in 1954, carried out (vary) in-depth research and brave adaptations on the repertory, tunes, and performances of the opera. The troupe was reformed after its disbanding in 1989.
Chun'an county is currently home 10 professional Muju Opera troupes and more than 30 performing teams. (feature) a tone similar to folk songs sung in the fields during or after work, Muju Opera has long been favored by local residents.
