Dian Opera blooms on stage

Tippawan Kiti (L) learns simple moves of Dian opera art from Chen Yaping (R). (photo by Hu Lixian/Yunnan Daily)

It is widely known that Dian is another name for Yunnan. One of the most culturally distinctive traditional local opera genres in Yunnan province is Dian Opera. It is characterized by its unique vocal style, ancient simplicity, rich and varied patterns, and natural and smooth tunes. As one of the national intangible cultural heritages, the Opera is deeply loved by people around the country.

A recent Dian Opera named Sifan, which means buddhas and immortals look back to the life on earth, is performed by renowned Dian Opera artist Chen Yaping. It deeply attracted and moved Thai audience Tippawan Kiti. It is the first time that she has known about Dian Opera.

After the performance, she tried to learn movements and gestures of theatrical performance from Chen Yaping. Chen then invited her home to further know about the life of artists behind the stage.

"I was born in a family of Dian Opera, and both my parents are engaged in the art. I entered the Yunnan Provincial School of Arts and studied in Dian Opera Department at the age of 12, and I have been engaged in the Opera for more than forty years," Chen recalled her long association with then Opera. Then, Tippawan Kiti understand even more the meaning of the Chinese saying "a minute on stage, ten years of practice off stage".

As Tippawan Kiti gradually learned about Dian Opera, she hoped to integrate the unique performance art with Thai language education in interactive ways. "The artists were born in a special era, and the artists’ masterpiece will attract special audience,” said Tippawan Kiti.

“This is similar to the educational work I am engaged in, and I can now understand even more of the Chinese saying ‘The plum blossom fragrance comes from the bitter cold.’” She hopes that her efforts in education will help students to get better.

Source: Yunnan Daily; reporting by Hu Lixian and Wang Huan; translating by Wang Yunya