Nanpi Laozi in China 南皮落子

“Laozi”, which is very well received by the Nanpi natives since it was created by themselves. According to the legend, it has a history of above 150 years. Laozi of Mei School in Yangbazhuang began to perform in the 8th year of Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (Year 1730). In the period of the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, Laozi got its peak(highest level or value) time. At beginning, the form, performers and dress all depend on the figures and plots. As time goes by, today’s Laozi has already become the group dancing that is performed by the youth.

The content of Nanpi Laozi mostly expresses the love and life. It often perform during the period of the Spring Festival to express people’s joyous feelings of welcoming a new year and celebrating the good harvest.

The roles of Nanpi Laozi(南皮落子Nánpí làozǐ) are “whip”, “board” and “pan”. The “whip” is man’s movement, while the “board” and “pan” are woman’s. Laozi also divides into the civil one and military one. The civil one is also called “Xiao Fengliu”. When it is performed, people sing and dance with the continuous folk songs that are more than 30 pieces. And the most used are Flying a Kite and Jasmine etc. The “whip”, “board” and “pan” perform in turn and sometimes only the “pan”, which is more natural. The military one developed from the civil one and is also called “Strong Wind Yangko”, which is perform by “whip” and “board”. Because Nanpi Laozi adopts the features of folks martial arts and operas, it is enthusiastic, high and joyous(means extremely happy) when it is performing.