Features

The artistic characteristics of the several hundred types of Quyi are quite similar in some respects, but in addition to their common features, each of them has its own special feature and exists independently. Also, each artist has his or her own special skill even to create their own school. Even if they belong to the same school, each will have his or her own specific style, which constantly injects vigor into the art of Quyi.

In order to give a beautiful artistic impression and create a sense of intimacy with the audience, the artists should have strong skills in speech, acting and singing, and outstanding powers of imitation. Storytellers must be able to relate lifelike and lively portrayals of peoples' anger, sorrow and joy. These solid skills are acquired from their observation and experience of real life, as well as their analysis, research and knowledge of history.

As Quyi arts take speech and singing as the major mediums, the artists have to stimulate the audiences' aural senses with their words and songs, so as to inspire them to conjure up images. Their artistic creations are completed by the participation of the audiences' imaginations. Shows can be performed on any piece of open ground, so the imaginations of the audience are not restricted by a narrow stage, while the contents of the stories and songs enjoy a wider freedom of time and space. In order to expand the imaginations of the audience to the artistic scope created by their recitations and songs, the Quyi artists need a clearer and more meticulous understanding of the audience's reactions. Thus they enjoy a more intimate relationship with the audience compared with other types of stage performance.