Everything you need to know about Chinese Drama & Peking Opera A History Of Chinese Theater Everything you need to know about Chinese Drama & Peking Opera © Presto Plans

Chinese Drama Chinese drama has traditionally been linked to the government and the countries political situation. Translated Western dramas of the early 20th Century were brought to China from Europe and the USA. (Ex. Uncle Tom's Cabin) When the Japanese invaded China in 1937, playwrights wrote new plays which included more patriotism. © Presto Plans

Chinese Drama Drama in China dates to AD 200, beginning with rituals that combined song, dance, gestures, and costumes. When theatre captured the interest of the ruling dynasties, drama based on traditional Chinese myths and legends became an important art form. © Presto Plans

Chinese Drama With the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949 came more government involvement in the arts (censoring started to occur). At the end of the cultural revolution in 1972, the regulation of theatre ended with a strong dramatic tradition emerging © Presto Plans

Peking Opera This developed early in the 19th Century. It incorporates aspects of historical drama, spoken drama, song drama, dance drama, and ballet - the 5 main types of drama in China today. © Presto Plans

Peking Opera Despite the history of governmental regulations, many traditional aspects have remained intact in Chinese Drama. The stage settings are scarce and symbolic; for example, a desk might symbolize an alter if an actor kneels. Costumes are often stylized, representing traditional characters and social classes in Chinese history. Symbolic colors and designs that represent different human qualities are used in make up. © Presto Plans

Peking Opera The main color used in a facial makeup symbolizes the disposition of the character. Yellow signifies fierceness, ambition and cool-headedness. Red indicates devotion, courage bravery, uprightness and loyalty. A green face tells the audience that the character is impulsive, violent, and stubborn. He also shows total lack of self-restraint. © Presto Plans

Blue represents staunchness, fierceness and astuteness. Black symbolizes roughness and fierceness. It indicates a rough and bold character or an impartial and selfless personality. Blue represents staunchness, fierceness and astuteness. Purple stands for uprightness, sophistication and cool-headedness). The reddish purple face likewise shows a just and noble character White suggests something sinister, treacherous, suspicious and crafty. © Presto Plans

There are 4 Roles in Peking Opera: Sheng - the main male role in the production. There are numerous subtypes (ex. wusheng - a martial character) Dan - Any female role in the production. There are 5 subtypes in this group Jing - A painted face male role. They are a forceful character (so they must have a strong voice and a lot of exaggerated facial expressions) Chou - A male clown role. They usually play a minor role. They wear special face paint that is different than the Jing characters There are 4 Roles in Peking Opera: © Presto Plans