Nuo opera, also known as "Nuotang opera" and "Duangong opera", is a local opera form formed by absorbing opera elements on the basis of folk sacrificial rituals. It is widely popular in Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Hebei and other provinces. Nuo opera originated in ancient times. As early as the pre-Qin period, there were witch songs and Nuo dances that entertained both gods and people. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, various local operas flourished. Nuo dance absorbed the artistic elements of opera and developed into Nuotang opera and Duangong opera. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, Nuo opera appeared in western Hunan, and then entered the Yangtze River from the Yuanshui River. It spread rapidly and merged with folk art from all over the country to form a variety of different schools and styles. For example, the Nuotang opera in Hunan and Hubei (mainly popular in Hefeng and Enshi areas) was formed by absorbing the performance techniques of Huagu opera. The Nuo opera of the Gelao people was introduced to Daozhen Gelao and Miao Autonomous County, Guizhou Province at the latest during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, and began to spread locally. It takes witchcraft as its core, merges with Guizhou regional culture and Gelao culture, and forms a special altar form that integrates Buddhist witchcraft or Taoist witchcraft, Qing witchcraft, and Confucian witchcraft. At present, there are more than 50 altar groups and more than 630 people engaged in Nuo ritual activities in Daozhen. Daozhen Gelao Nuo opera aims to pray for blessings and welcome auspiciousness. It is performed by artists known as "Taoist masters" in the folk. It has more than 130 forms of expression, such as Chong Nuo, Da Baofu, Yang Opera, Zitong Opera, etc. During the performance, it is accompanied by instruments such as gongs, drums, cymbals, and suona. There are songs and dances, or talking or singing, solemn and humorous, and both civil and military. The roles of Shanwang and Qintong need to wear special Nuo masks when performing. The number of performers varies from one or two to more than ten people, and the time varies from one or two hours to several days and nights. The content varies according to the purpose of the believers and the altar sect. The whole performance process presents the characteristics of combining entertainment with entertainment, and the integration of sacrifice and art. At present, the written records of Daozhen Gelao Nuo Opera are about 8 million words. According to preliminary estimates, it will take about two months to perform all the Nuo Opera. Gelao Nuo Opera is an important carrier of Gelao culture and Guizhou Wu Nuo culture. It has important research value in religion, history, folklore, music, literature, education and other aspects. (No pictures yet, welcome to provide.) (No pictures yet, welcome to provide.)