Yueh drama originated in the region of Sheng county, Chekiang. Since Sheng county formerly belonged to Shao-hsing prefecture, this type of opera is also known as Shaohsing drama. The official term derives from fact that Shaohsing was also the ancient state of Yueh.
Initially Yueh drama, based on small-scale montagnard songs, was popular among the rural communities of eastern Chekiang. A Yueh drama troupe requires only modest forces; a cast of ten suffices to mount a production, while two will do very well for the accompanying musical ensemble -- one to play the two-stringed Chinese fiddle, and another to play the small drum and the clappers.
Little in the way of leisure entertainment was available in farming communities in the past. The farmers' slack period began when the autumn harvest was put away for the winter and the snow lay thick upon the ground. Then people would gather together and pass the time by singing old tales of romance between talented young lovers and enchanting beauties. Such were the beginnings of Yueh drama. Its romantic storylines and easily understood plots made a strong appeal to women and youngsters, and it soon gained in popularity throughout the region.
"Yueh drama had taken shape by around 1907, and its dramatic form started to te fully rounded out around 1916." Folk drama scholar Li Tien-k'uei explains that Yueh drama is only about 80 years old, and as such is arguably the youngest genre of Chinese opera in existence. Yet at the same time it now ranks second only to Peking opera in popularity.
The most frequent performances of Yueh drama in Taiwan today are given by the Revival Youth Yueh Drama Troupe. Most other Yueh drama troupes have folded due to declining elderly audiences and natural wastage among artistes, together with a lack of financial backing.
Chou Mi-mi director of the Revival Youth Yueh Drama Troupe, explains that the performance style of Yueh drama incorporates the best elements of Peking opera, spoken drama and folk opera. With attractive melodies and an easy to understand vernacular text, it is ideal for people of all ages and well worth preserving as a valuable example of regional opera. "I hope that the government will do more to extend a helping hand to traditional folk opera and so keep its legacy alive," says enthusiastic proponent Chou Mi-mi.
