A Zaju Zuochang Opera performance. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

Zaju Zuochang Opera, also known as Fengchang Opera and Kuogong Opera, is a traditional form of theatre included in the fifth batch of national representative intangible cultural heritage items.

It has the remnants of the form of Zaju in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and has been spread in Zhuban village of Datian county, and Huainan town of Yong'an city in Fujian province, since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Zaju Zuochang Opera is associated with local folk beliefs.

Zaju Zuochang Opera in Datian county is highly regulated and has a long rehearsal and performance process. Rehearsals start in May of the last year of the previous "Fushou" (the person in charge of folk activities) tenure, while the performance begins on the first day of the first lunar month of the following year. It ends during the Qingming Festival in March, retaining the regulations of ancient clan ritual dramas.

The melodies are mostly ancient folk songs and ditties, and the characteristics of operas are very clear. It is generally performed during the Spring Festival holiday, and the content includes activities such as the welcoming ceremony, inviting gods, sacrifice, setting up offerings, and performing operas.

Each performance revolves around a character performance and conveys a certain theme. They are believed to bring good luck and eliminate disasters.

A Zaju Zuochang Opera performance. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]