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The essence of traditional Chinese art.
Peking Opera, or Peking Drama, is a theatrical genre that originated and flourished in Beijing during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It is the most influential opera in China and is known as the "National Opera." Peking Opera typically depicts historical themes and struggles, with most stories drawn from history and novels. The four artistic techniques employed in Peking Opera are singing, reciting, acting, and fighting. It is a highly integrated art form encompassing singing, dancing, dialogue, martial arts, and symbolic movements.
Peking Opera, one of the most classical and refined forms of Chinese theatrical art, emerged in the late 18th century during the Qing Dynasty. This was a period when Chinese culture and art reached their peak, thanks to the strong intermingling of local art forms and the support of the imperial court.
Peking Opera, a precious gem in the treasure trove of Chinese culture.
The origins of Peking Opera stem from a combination of traditional art forms such as Kunqu (a type of opera dating back to the Ming Dynasty), Huangmei Opera (a famous performance in southern China), and other folk melodies. A significant event marking the birth of Peking Opera was in 1790, when performing troupes from Anhui and Hubei provinces were invited to Beijing to perform during Emperor Qianlong's birthday celebrations. These performances attracted considerable attention and gradually developed into an independent art form.
This art form creates a vivid portrayal of human life and soul.
By the 19th century, Peking Opera had become the dominant theatrical form in Beijing, enjoyed by the imperial family, the nobility, and the common people. Peking Opera performances were not only a means of entertainment but also a way of conveying history, philosophy, and morality in Chinese society.
Every graceful movement, every melodious note, embodies the essence of theatrical art.
The foundation of performing arts is the recreation of human behavior within a fictional artistic context, meaning the actor plays a role and creates the character. Actors can build their creativity upon the script but must remain faithful to the character created by the playwright. "Faithfulness" is not about mechanical performance, but rather includes a vibrant "recreation." It is through this "recreation" that a skilled actor brings life to characters that are "dead" in the script.
Intangible cultural heritage, one of the ten great treasures of China.
Peking Opera is known for its harmonious blend of four main artistic elements: singing, dancing, dialogue, and martial arts. Each performance is a vibrant tapestry, recreating historical stories, legends, or profound philosophical lessons.
Peking opera is not just a form of entertainment, but also a profound philosophy of life, reflecting the Eastern concept of good and evil, love, and righteousness.
Actors on the Peking Opera stage do not appear in their original appearances, but instead dress up according to the gender, personality, age, occupation, and status of the role they play. The roles on stage are divided into four categories: Sheng, Dan, Jing, and Chou.
"Sinh" is a general term for male roles, divided into old-school students, martial arts students, and young students; "Dan" is a general term for female roles, divided into leading female roles (main female roles), flower female roles, noble female roles, sword and horse female roles, martial arts female roles, grand female roles, and old female roles; "Tinh," also called "flower face," usually refers to male roles with unusual personalities, qualities, or appearances, with loud singing voices and rough styles, divided into leading Tinh, leading Hoa, martial Hoa, leading Hoa, and oil Hoa; "Suu" refers to comedic roles, often with white powder applied to the bridge of the nose, divided into literary Suu and martial Suu. Loyalty, beauty and ugliness, good and evil, honor and lowliness of the characters can be expressed through the facial makeup of each role. Each role has its own unique performance style and characteristics in terms of singing, reading, acting, and fighting skills.
During its development, Peking Opera has formed a highly symbolic system of performance movements. For example, using an oar to represent a boat, a horse whip to represent a horse, actors can perform movements such as going up and down stairs, or opening doors without any props. Although these movements are somewhat exaggerated, they can give the audience a sense of realism.
Music plays a crucial role in Peking Opera, helping to portray the emotions and personalities of the characters.
Peking Opera is an art form that closely reflects real life. It contains profound meanings that captivate the audience. Most Peking Opera performances draw inspiration from mythical storylines, such as fairy tales and legends, mixed with the historical elements of classical Chinese novels. Therefore, watching Peking Opera is also a way to learn about the history and ancient culture of China.
The art of makeup in Peking Opera is very distinctive. The roles of "Sheng" and "Dan" require elaborate eyebrow makeup, including raising eyebrows and painting the eyes. The roles of "Jing" and "Chou" must be painted according to the specific makeup of the play; for example, a loyal and brave character must be painted red, while a cunning character must be painted white. Peking Opera costumes include silk robes, military uniforms, arrow-patterned coats, cloaks, etc. They all have unique styles and patterns, reflecting different social statuses and classes. Simultaneously, Peking Opera actors also use various accessories and props, such as fans, handkerchiefs, beards, etc., depending on the character's personality and the plot's requirements, to enhance the liveliness and enjoyment of the performance.
In Peking Opera, makeup and costumes have symbolic significance, helping the audience easily identify the personality and role of each character.
Peking Opera has a vast number of acts, reportedly as many as 3,800. Currently, the plays performed mainly fall into three categories: traditional plays, newly adapted historical plays, and modern plays.
With a history spanning over 200 years, Peking Opera is not only a symbol of Chinese art but also a valuable cultural asset of the world.
On November 16, 2010, Peking Opera was included in the "Representative List of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". Peking Opera has traveled the world and become an important means of introducing and disseminating traditional Chinese art and culture.
Peking Opera, a jewel in the treasure trove of Chinese culture, is not only a cultural heritage but also a colorful journey of discovery. Each Peking Opera performance is a magnificent feast for the eyes and ears, immersing the audience in the enchanting world of the stage. Enjoying Peking Opera is not simply watching a performance, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, history, and spirit. This cultural heritage has transcended the boundaries of the stage to become an indispensable part of the hearts of art lovers.
