About Chinese Operas
Chinese
opera is known as one of three ancient theatres in the world. The other two are
ancient Greek tragicomedy, and Indian Sanskrit play. Chinese opera has a long
history that dates back to as early as the third century. During thousands of
years of development, it has now become a rich system of drama and musical
theatre with more than 360 regional branches.
Chinese opera became popular among ordinarypeople.
Performances were watched in tearooms, restaurants, and even around makeshift stages.
Accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the Erhu,
the gong, and the lute, actors present unique melodies, as
well as dialogues which are beautifully written and of high literary
value.
Facial make-up, which is one of the highlights of Chinese opera and requires distinctive
techniques of painting. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face
to symbolize a character's personality, role and fate.
Another technique that fascinates people is the marvellousacrobatics.
Performers can make fire spray out of their mouths when they act as spirits, or can gallop while
squatting to act as a dwarf.
opera is known as one of three ancient theatres in the world. The other two are
ancient Greek tragicomedy, and Indian Sanskrit play. Chinese opera has a long
history that dates back to as early as the third century. During thousands of
years of development, it has now become a rich system of drama and musical
theatre with more than 360 regional branches.
Chinese opera became popular among ordinarypeople.
Performances were watched in tearooms, restaurants, and even around makeshift stages.
Accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the Erhu,
the gong, and the lute, actors present unique melodies, as
well as dialogues which are beautifully written and of high literary
value.
Facial make-up, which is one of the highlights of Chinese opera and requires distinctive
techniques of painting. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face
to symbolize a character's personality, role and fate.
Another technique that fascinates people is the marvellousacrobatics.
Performers can make fire spray out of their mouths when they act as spirits, or can gallop while
squatting to act as a dwarf.
