China has its own version of opera too: Here’s all you need to know
Opera is a form of art that blends music, drama and dance to create a stunning visual performance. When you hear Opera, you might think of singers singing French songs with elaborate costumes in a grand theatre. Did you know that there is a version of Opera in China is different from the western version? We are talking the Beijing Opera. It is also called the Peking Opera. It is a traditional Chinese performance art that has been passed down through generations. It features stunning visuals, intricate costumes and makeup, impressive acrobatic stunts and remarkable martial arts displays. The performers use a combination of singing, dialogue and physical movements to convey emotions and tell a story. Sounds like a treat to the eyes and ears, right? Originating in the late 18th century, the Beijing Opera tells stories of ancient China and showcases its rich history and traditions. Let’s explore more about the fascinating world of the Beijing opera!
Beijing Opera at a glance
The Beijing Opera is a treasured part of Chinese heritage and culture. It was developed from the local drama ‘Huiban’, which was popular in South China during the 18th century. Over time, it has become a scenic art integrating music, performance, literature and face painting. Beijing Opera uses four main artistic methods to present dramatic plays and figures: Singing, dialogue, dancing and martial art. The last method sets the Beijing opera apart! Singing intensifies the appeal of the art through various tones, while dialogue complements singing with musical and rhythmic sensations. Dancing requires high-performing skills. The martial arts combine traditional Chinese combat exercises with dance. Another unique feature of the Beijing Opera is its combination of virtual and real expression techniques. This technique creates a captivating experience for the audience by freeing the performance from the restrictions of time and space on stage.
The characters of Beijing Opera and the art of face painting
Beijing Opera is an art form that tells stories of history, politics, society and daily life while providing entertainment and enlightenment. There are four main types of roles: The male (sheng), painted-face male (jing, a comic), female (dan) and clown (chou). The characters are easily recognizable by their unique face painting, known as Lianpu. Using transformative and exaggerated figures on the face makes it easy for professional spectators to identify the characteristics of each role. Specific formats of facial painting are used based on the colour, type and shape of the figures. The eyes, forehead and cheeks are often painted like the wings of butterflies, swallows and bats.
Famous plays and artists
The four famous Dan performers of the Beijing Opera are the Chinese Opera singers Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun and Xun Huisheng. They have achieved global recognition for their incredible skills in this traditional art form. Each of these talented artists has created timeless masterpieces, such as Mei Lanfang’s Farewell My Concubine, Cheng Yanqiu’s Injustice to Dou’e’, Shang Xiaoyun’s Lady Zhaojun Going beyond the Great Wall and Xun Huisheng’s Matchmaker. They are renowned for their distinctive styles and exceptional performances, which continue to captivate audiences even today.
If you want to experience the magic of Beijing Opera first hand, the Liyuan Theatre in Beijing is an excellent option. This remarkable venue offers a genuine glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage, with authentic costumes, mesmerizing performances and engaging storytelling.