| Tragedy is a distinctive aesthetic feature of Huai Opera art. It is not only an innate genetic element of Huai Opera culture in the Yancheng-Huai' region but also an aesthetic trait that has been carried forward and developed throughout the history of Huai Opera. This tragic quality is shaped by the unique geographical and social environment of the Subei Yancheng-Huai' region, as well as by the grassroots, local, and popular cultural characteristics of the area. Moreover, it is deeply rooted in the shared impoverished backgrounds and aesthetic orientations of playwrights, performers, and audiences—constituting the "root" of Huai Opera art. Tragedy in Huai Opera is also closely associated with the subject matter of its repertoire, which features numerous sorrowful and bitter plays, a predominantly tragic and plaintive style, solemn and mournful melodic tones, and sorrowful singing techniques. These elements form the "soul" of the survival and development of Huai Opera art. |