FEATURES OF FEMALE HEROIC IMAGES IN CHINESE FOLK OPERA

Abstract

The article discusses the features of the embodiment of female heroic images in Chinese folk operas on a military-patriotic theme. The material for the analysis was the images of Sister Jiang (opera “Sister Jiang”, 1964), Tian Yumei (opera “Daughters of the Party”, 1991) and Haitang (opera “The Yimenshan Mountains”, 2018). One of the objectives of the study is to identify the dynamics of development of this type of hero in the genre of Chinese folk opera. The article emphasizes that the heroic image of a woman is important for Chinese culture and is associated with the feminist movement in the first half of the 20th century. The analysis of the operas showed similarities and differences in the dramatic role and in the musical characteristics of Sister Jiang, Tian Yumei and Haitan. They have a similar experience of fighting the enemy, they are ready to sacrifice themselves for the common good. In their vocal parts, “central songs” are carried out, the most important part of their musical characteristics are large monologue arias. The differences are related to the level of psychological credibility of these characters. The example of Sister Jiang, Tian Yumei and Haitan clearly shows the trend towards a gradual increase in Chinese folk operas of elements of femininity and psychologism. This trend is manifested in an increase in the number of vocal numbers with episodes of a subjective-lyrical nature that reflect the feelings of the heroines and their state of mind.