Banzhu, a symbol of Chinese culture, is regarded as the traditional national cultural heritage. It is the epitome of the innovation and benefit of the Chinese nation in the past dynasties, and the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese people. Fu Shuo was promoted as a prime minister, assisting Wu Ding in governing the country for rejuvenation, he later wrote "Three Chapters of Fate" to educate future generations.
In order to better promote Pinglu’s historical and cultural features, the Pinglu County Bureau of Culture and Tourism has hired Jia Shanliang from Yuncheng , a professional senior lecturer for directors, and Jia Wei, a music lecturer, who are able to direct, perform, and create and are familiar with "Pinglu Gaodiao". Pinglu County’s amateur musician, Mao Jiemang, who loves Gaodiao, also joined to create the great work of Banzhu Soul by drawing inspirations from Banzhu culture in Fu Shuo Temple. Liu Yinkang, inheritor of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, was hired as the music director.
"Banzhu Soul" interprets the Yin and Shang dynasties in the form of sitcoms. Due to the continuous flooding of the Yellow River, the people living between the Yang and Yuguo of Tiaoshan had no permanent homes. The slave Fu Shuo, with experience and wisdom, built dikes to control water and innovated barrier wall technology using rafters, boards, and pestles. The hero protected the people from floods in hard work.
According to records, during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, there was a professional "Pinglu Gaodiao" team in the central and western regions active in the surrounding areas of Shanxi, Shaan xi and Henan. The characteristics were that they sing and play musical instruments seperately, and no errors during singing. Their singing was high-pitched and slightly sad. There are not many styles, but the rhythm changes a lot. "Banzhu Soul" integrates "Pinglu Gaodiao" traditional rap into modern music, and selects the historical stories about the Banzhu art invented by Fu Shuo as the theme. It sings highly of his contribution to the people's livelihood for thousands of years. It is dedicated to advocating and promoting Pinglu’s historical and cultural features.
The Gaodiao "Banzhu Soul" not only retains the original "Pinglu Gaodiao" rap form, but also presents elements of both modern music and local opera. The portrayed courtyard culture incorporates scene reproduction, which greatly promotes the inheritance, protection and development of "Pinglu Gaodiao".
On November 4th, 2020, the fourth mass cultural outstanding program exhibition "I have a good show" in Yuncheng ended in success. "Banzhu Soul" stood out among 33 works, and was given the "Stars Award". Only by continuously introducing more opportunities and platforms, can more people realize their dreams by telling their own stories with local cultural elements. In this regard, Yuncheng is always in action.
