origin roles Costume Musical Instrument Some Famous Opera

Chinese Opera The roots of Chinese Opera are obscure, but historical records reveal that performances combining song and dance were popular as far back as the Warring States period ( BC). A few centuries later, during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 219), story-telling was blended with dance to produce an elementary form of musical drama. Emperor Xuan Zong of the Tang Dynasty (AD ) was a great patron of the arts, and with his sponsorship a training center for actors was established. The center was known as "the Pear Garden," and since this time Chinese opera performers have been referred to as “disciples of the Pear Garden”

Beijing Opera (or Peking Opera) has existed for over 200 years. It is widely regarded as the highest expression of the Chinese culture. It is known as one of the three main theatrical systems in the world. Artistically, Beijing Opera is perhaps the most refined form of opera in the world. It has deeply influenced the hearts of the Chinese people. The Origin of Peking Opera

Sheng -- Male Role Dan -- Female Role Jing -- Painted Face Male Chou -- The Comedy Role

In the world of Chinese opera, all male characters with unpainted faces are called Sheng. Of course, Sheng actors do wear some stage make-up, but in comparison with the heavily painted faces of the Jing actors, they are considered to have unpainted faces. The male character roles can be divided into mature man, young man, and militant, according to age, position, and personality.

Tan are the female equivalent of Sheng. They appear as characters from all walks of life, and fill both supporting and lead roles upon the stage. The female character roles can be divided into old ladies, young ladies, young maidens, female warriors, and militant young maidens, according to age, position, and personality.

One of the most unique aspects of Chinese opera is the colorful use of face painting to indicate the personalities of the roles being portrayed. A red face indicates a loyal, honest, straightforward, and trustworthy character while a white face reflects cunning and scheming and scheming. Black denotes bravery and justice, and green signifies a violent and tough character.

There are both male clowns and female clowns in Chinese opera. Clowns add comedy to the opera, with their humorous dialogues, thus clowns must know the various dialects of China, in order to maintain a close relationship with the audience. Male clown roles include “Civilian Clown " and “Warrior Clown“. " Civilian Clown " speak perfect Mandarin language and are adept at satire. " Warrior Clown " clowns are skilled in martial arts.

Costume The Jade Belt Shoes used in Peking Opera The Military Flags The Crown The Ceremonial Robe

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The Ceremonial Robe It has a soft,kerchief-like collar, literally named “water sleeves” ( 水袖 ),which are long,flimsy, trailing silken inner sleeves,attached to the ordinary sleeves. This is the most important garment for official attire, and is worn in audience with the Son of Heaven (the Emperor) at official gatherings, at formal ceremonies,banquets,etc.

Crown The Crown is the most important hat of officialdom,only the emperor and high military officials being entitled to it. The hat worn by military officials have various forms according to the rank of the person in question.

The Jade Belt (yu dai) is considered a very important article in an actor’s wardrobe. To match a ceremonial or official robe, the jade belt is worn about the waist, this being the vogue previous to the Ming dynasty. The actual belt is made of stiff material which is studded with pieces of jade. That worn on the stage is almost an exact replica of the real one.

Boot with thick vase ( 厚底靴） （虎头靴） tiger-head hoot

The Military Flags They are the flags 1 worn on a warrior’s 1 1 back when he enters the fray. The origin of these flags grew from their actual use by a general, who,when issuing orders serve as a warrant. On one side of the flag were marks of identity. Every general took with him one or two flags to be used in cased of emergency. The flags now attached to a general’s armor still retain the old idea of field orders,but the fact that there are four flags is due to a desire for beautiful effect. The flags (those with a dragon design are for a male role, while the phoenix-designed ones are for female role),triangular in form,are made of silk and embroidered with flowers or dragons. Their color should be the same as that of the warrior’s robe.

Small Drum clapper Big Drum Luo

Moon Mandolin Jing Fiddle Sheng Chinese Clarionet 竖 笛 Flutes 长笛 Four- stringed lute Wucang Moon Mandolin 曼陀林 Four-stringed Lute 诗琴