Errentai traces its history back to the 18th century during theQing dynasty. It originated inShanxi and later spread to westernInner Mongolia,Shaanxi, andHebei. The songs are derived from folk songs; as such, different styles are developed in different areas.[4]
Errentai is performed by two singers, one acting in thedan (female) role and another in thechou (male clown) role. Traditionally both roles were portrayed by men,[3] but thedan role is typically portrayed by actresses today. The performers would sing back and forth. Stage props include handkerchiefs,folding fans, rattle sticks and paper or silk stripes.[4]
The musical instruments used include thedizi (transverse flute),sihu (four-stringed fiddle), andyangqin (hammered dulcimer).[3] Thewood block (梆子;bangzi) andsikuaiwa (四块瓦, a percussion instrument) are also sometimes used.[4]
