Wang Yubao, a famous female artist of Tianjin Shidiao, was born in Tianjin in 1926. She was born in a family of handicraftsman and her father was a fan of Shidiao. Wang began to learn Shidiao from her father at the age of 12. At 14, she began to stage performances in some well-known theaters. In 1953, she joined the Tianjin Broadcast Quyi Troupe and later transferred to the Tianqin Quyi Troupe. Up till now, she is still active in performing on the stage.
Wang Yubao has a loud and sonorous vox, a wide diapason and a sweet tamber. Her aria is beautiful with articulate and pleasant voice and elegant performing style. After the founding of the New China, she derived essence from other artists and drew experience from older actors. According to the fact that Shidiao was deeply rooted among ordinary people and originated from folk songs, Wang Yubao began reform first on Kaoshandiao, adjusted its aria and rhythm, and formally named it to Tianjin Shidiao. In addition, she created and performed many new items of various subject matters, improved and developed performing skills of Shidiao and further spread the influence of this art.
Wang Yubao not only performed new items but also recomposed old ones. Her representative performing items include traditional ones such as Flying the Kite, Playing Shuttlecock, The Seventh Day of July and Kao Hong, as well as modern ones such as Fan Jiang Dao Hai, Affection Between Soldiers and The People and Visit the Divine Land in the Dream. At the same time, she devoted herself to Quyi education undertaking and fostered a batch of professional and amateur actors of Tianjin Shidiao, making great contribution to the development of Tianjin Shidiao art. |
|