This whole play is written in zaju form. Zaju "Provides insights into the development and popularity of the Zaju dramatic art form in China. Changes in the way of life; Observation of social injustice and human suffering; Outcome from the suppression of Han intellectuals," (Huo). Zaju was incredibly famous during the Yuan Dynasty, but it's origin came from the Song Dynasty.
"Most Zaju plays are of four acts plus a prologue, performed with a blending of singing, dancing, dialogue, and acrobatics," (Zaju Opera of the Yuan Dynasty). Guan Hanqing portrays zaju form perfectly during the execution sing of Dou E as she is singing in a way that makes the viewer's feel her pain by the way her voice sounds as she sings and by the way her body moves with her voice. There is a lot that goes into a scene like Hanqing's execution scene, which is possibly why Snow in Midsummer is "one of the best-beloved" one of his zaju plays (Hanqing 501).
Below is a video clip of what zaju plays are like.
"Most Zaju plays are of four acts plus a prologue, performed with a blending of singing, dancing, dialogue, and acrobatics," (Zaju Opera of the Yuan Dynasty). Guan Hanqing portrays zaju form perfectly during the execution sing of Dou E as she is singing in a way that makes the viewer's feel her pain by the way her voice sounds as she sings and by the way her body moves with her voice. There is a lot that goes into a scene like Hanqing's execution scene, which is possibly why Snow in Midsummer is "one of the best-beloved" one of his zaju plays (Hanqing 501).
Below is a video clip of what zaju plays are like.