Bai Yushuang (1907-1943), the renowned Queen
of Pingju, learned playing drums when she was young. But later she
shifted to Pingju, and became famous for her superb performance and sweet
bourdon. The Bai School of Pingju was named after Bai
Yushuang.
Pingju is a
type of opera originated in what is known as Lian Hua Lao in northern
China and the local folk dance
called Beng Beng Xi. It can be easily understood.
Lian Hua Lao (popular songs sung to the accompaniment of castanets), which had
long been popular in Hebei
Province and northeast
China, developed into
Pingju. Pingju troupes often put on shows in the theaters in
Tangshan, Tianjin and other cities. This form of
entertainment owes much to the efforts of Bai Yushuang.
The representative works of Bai Yushuang
include Pan Jinlian and Peachblossom Temple.