CONTEMPORARY CHINA AND CHINESE

CULTURE
Reading 2

Peking Opera

Peking opera or Beijing opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which

combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. It is
generally regarded as having fully formed by 1845 in Beijing. Peking opera is a
blend of Anhui Opera and Han Opera, absorbing the Shanxi Opera, Kunqu
Opera, Yiyang Opera, and other forms.

Peking Opera features four

main types of performers
namely the Sheng, the Dan, the
Jing and the Chou. Performing
troupes often have several of
each variety, as well as
numerous secondary and
tertiary performers. With their
elaborate and colorful costumes,
performers are the only focal
points on Peking opera's
characteristically sparse stage. The colors painted on their faces represent
different meanings. The most recognizable colors are red, which denotes
uprightness and loyalty; black, which symbolizes integrity and valor; and white
which is used to portray treacherous officials and scoundrels. Peking opera
performers use the skills of speech, song, dance, and combat in movements
that are symbolic and suggestive, rather than realistic. Above all else, the skill
of performers is evaluated according to the beauty of their movements.
Performers also adhere to a variety of stylistic conventions that help audiences
navigate the plot of the production. The layers of meaning within each
movement must be expressed in time with music. The music of Peking opera
can be divided into the Xipi and Erhuang styles. Melodies include arias,
fixed-tune melodies, and percussion patterns. The repertoire of Peking
opera includes over 1,400 works, which are based on Chinese history, folklore,
and, increasingly, contemporary life.

Beijing opera —— Monkey King

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