Changsha-based huagu opera, a small folk drama, used to be popular in 12 counties under the ancient Changsha administration, with Changsha official dialect serving as the stage language. There are five sorts of Huagu opera in Yiyang, Xihu, Ningxiang, Liling and Changsha cities, each having its distinctive artistic characteristics. Changsha huagu opera originated from folk songs and dance and underwent a three-stage development course. In the first stage, there were only the roles of female lead and a clown. The part of young men was added in the second stage. In the third stage, it developed into a multi-role drama. The theatrical companies gradually developed from seasonal or semi-professional into professional ones. The earliest huagu opera company was set up in Ningxiang during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). By the end of Qing Dynasty, the art of Changsha huagu opera had improved, with performers also singing Hunan opera. During the Anti-Japanese War, a huagu opera team was set up in Changsha to publicize the endeavor of fighting against Japanese invaders. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Changsha huagu opera developed quickly. It has three kinds of pitched tones, each having its traditional plays and performing characteristics. Changsha huagu opera is based on chuan tone. The performance featuring the parts of female lead, young men and clown has distinctive artistic characteristics. There are more than 210 traditional plays for huagu opera, of which Liuhai Cuts Firewood and Kite flying won prizes at the national level. In terms of modern operatic creation, plays of influence created during the 1950s include Sister and Sisters-in-Law and Father Luosi Buying an Ox During the 1980s, more than 100 plays won prizes.