Yuan Zaju

Yuan Zaju is a traditional Chinese theatrical form that emerged during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). It combines drama, poetry, music, and dance into a unified performance, often performed in a single act. Characterized by its flexible structure, Yuan Zaju features four main types of plays—serious, comic, historical, and romantic—each with lyric poetry and song integration. It was popular among common people, offering entertainment and cultural reflection. Yuan Zaju influenced Chinese literature and theater, laying groundwork for later drama forms, and remains significant as a classical Chinese art form.