The Research On The Historical Changes And The Modern In Heritage Of Enshi Opera

Enshi opera is a kind of folk opera which originated from the combination of outside dramas and the soul of local performing arts. Based on the field investigations and literature researches, this paper discusses its process, content of historical change and current inheritance according to a series of theory like the theory of cultural change and the intangible cultural heritage protection theory.Enshi opera was brought from Sichuan area into Enshi territory in the years of Jiaqing, mainly popular in Baiyang town of Enshi city, Wanzhai county of Xuanen and Maoba in Lichuan. With the development and transformation of history, it has changed a lot in many different dimensions. The process of this change can be divided into three parts. The first is the period of preliminary development, during which Enshi opera started to integrate with local culture. The second is from the founding of new China to the Reform and Opening up, it is a hard time for Enshi opera. After the Reform and Opening up, not only national style but also modern art can be found in Enshi opera. It has gradually acquire the characteristics of humor, affinity,flexibility and so on, which has promoted the appearance of some excellent performances.The change of Enshi opera mainly focus on the content, dress, format and functions.The content of performance changed in what was sung and how long the line could be. The difference of dress refers to the difference in the concentration of makeup, clothing material and colors. While the format embodied in the problem place and arrangement. In addition, the change of the functions means the change in the effects Enshi opera will make.As time goes by, Enshi opera is not as popular as before. Few people passing on this cultural heritage, it is difficult to protect this rarity. A predicament that heirs, new scripts and professionals is a chronic shortage is coming into being. Although Enshi opera is facing a grim situation about modern inheritance, but also have a certain development opportunities. Especially the rapid development of the tourism industryin Enshi Autonomous Prefecture has brought strong demand of ethnic cultural consumption. What’s more, the support given by the economic and social development and government also promote the spread of local arts. At the same time,that people’s understanding of the cultural heritage was enhanced has increased such development opportunities of Enshi opera. When challenges and opportunities coexist in the era, the government should not only strengthen guidance,but also create a good atmosphere for the protection and inheritance of Enshi opera. Heirs ought to be active to empower themselves.The economic entities need to sustain such development of Enshi,too.From the point of view of such historical changes and modern inheritance of Enshi opera, a conclusion can be made that evolution of ethnic culture is closely relate to social transition rules. And it is also a reflect of social change.