Chinese Peking Opera

The unique theatrical synthesis of song and dance, acting and acrobatics known as Peking Opera began m emerge in its present form around 200 years ago. Though the Beijing variety is world-famous, there are many different versions of the art throughout China In the early part of the 20th century, mil]ions went to the opera house — more like a teahouse Dr a variety theatre—and largely through the acting genius of the late Mei Lanfang (1894—1961)，Peking Opera even influenced Western artists such as Charles Spencer Chaplin (卓别麟1889—1977) in England and playwright Bertold Brecht布来希特(1898—1956) in Germany. Recently, traditional opera has undergone something of a renaissance and there are performances nightly in Beijing Overseas tourists should not miss the opportunity to see one, even though the tourist will he baffled by much of it. Most operas are based on folk mythology or classical literatures, but don't worry about the plots (even many Chinese have difficult following the archaic language and the words of songs are usually screened at the side of the stage to assist audiences). What impress the audiences most are the sumptuous costumes and make-up and the acrobatic battle scenes (like circus performers, opera artists are rigorously trained from early childhood). Everything in the opera has significance — from the embroidery on a robe indicating the wearer’s rank to the pattern and color of his make up, expressing character. As in other Asian &once forms, gestures, even of figures and eyes, are all-important. And mime is a key element. Very few people are used and it is up to the actor to show, by lifting a foot that he is going through a doorway, or by waving a whip that he is riding a horse. Swords and staves will be brandished and twirled at breakneck speed in flight sequences without the actors ever touching one another. For the aficionados, it is the singing that matters (old timers talk of “listening to” rather than "watching" an opera), but the lengthy arias may seem strange to ears raised on Western harmonies. Likewise the harsh, percussive sounds of the orchestra, which sits on the side of the stage and is led by an er hu, or two-stringed Chinese fiddle. Among the most famous Peking Operas are “the Monkey King,” “the Drunken Beauty,” “be White Snake,” “Crossroads,” “a Fisherman's Revenge, ” and “Strategy of an Unguarded City. ” But for the newcomer, programme of of excerpts featuring the highlights of two or three operas is recommended, since entire performance may prove a tittle much to take at one setting.