• Peking Opera

  • Peking Opera, a synthesis of music, dance, art and acrobatics, is known as Chinas national opera and widely regarded as the highest expression of the Chinese culture. It is the most refined form of opera in the world and one of the three main theatrical systems in the world. Although it is called Peking Opera, its origins are not in Beijing but in the Chinese provinces of Anhui and Hubei. It then absorbed repertoire, music, arias and performing techniques from other operas and musical arts in China and became the most influential and representative of all operas in China Almost every province of China has more than one Peking Opera troupe. Beijing and Tianjin are respected as the key base cities in the north while Shanghai is the base in the south.
     
    Peking Opera History

    It is regarded that the opera was born when the Four Great Anhui Troupes came to Beijing in 1790, originally staged for the royal family and then the public. In 1828, some famous Hubei Troupe players came to Beijing. Hubei and Anhui troupes often jointly performed in the stage. The combination gradually formed the mainstream of Peking Operas melodies. One of the rare forms of entertainment, it was favored by people from all walks of the society, from the high-ranking government officials to the lower levels of society.

    There are thousands of pieces covering the entire history and literature of China, even including revised stories from the West. They can be divided into "civil" pieces, characterized by singing, and "martial" ones, featuring acrobatics and stunts. Some pieces are combination of both. Its repertoire includes historical plays, comedies, tragedies and farces. Many historical events are adapted into the plays, which in the past were an important primer on history and ethical principles for poorly educated folk.

    During the Cultural Revolution, the opera suffered along with other kinds of theatrical arts in China. All the traditional pieces reflecting the old societies were banned from performance. The famous Eight Model Plays, featuring the communist activities during the anti-Japanese war and the civil war with the KMT, as well as the class struggles after the founding of the Peoples Republic, were then developed. These plays introduced some new forms of stage performances. Many people who grew up during the Cultural Revelation are still in favor of the music and singing from the Eight Model Plays.

    Traditional plays came back in 1978. But due to the threat from other arts, the operas out-of-date styles and the lack of historical and theatrical knowledge of the young, the art is dying, with fewer fans, most are old people, who were children when the opera was at its peak. 

    Peking Opera Performence

    There are four roles in general: the male, the female, the "painted face", and the clown, which are further classified by age and profession. The makeup highlights and exaggerates the principal features of the characters.

    Two orchestras, playing string and percussion instruments, accompany the singing, which follows a fixed pattern but has a variety of melodies and rhythms. The "jinghu", a small two-strings bowed instrument, is the backbone of the orchestras.

    The operatic dialogues and monologues are recited in Beijing dialect, and some of the words are pronounced in a special fashion, unique to the opera.

    The actors and actresses, in addition to singing, use well-established movements, such as smoothing a beard, adjusting a hat, jerking a sleeve or raising a foot, to express certain emotions and meaning. Opening a door, walking at night, rowing a boat, eating, drinking and the like are all demonstrated by the stylized movements of the actors and actresses. Performers also use their eyes and facial expressions to help convey the specific meaning.

    The acrobatic fighting, whether between two parties or in a melee, is a skillful combination of martial arts and acting.

    Chinese OperaIn the past 200 years, numerous schools and celebrated performers have emerged. There is no lack of social celebrities among the fans. Emperor Guangxu of Qing Dynasty, for example, was not only a good amateur singer, but also a good drummer (as the conductor) in the orchestra. The Empress Dowager was an avid fan, too. The huge three-story theater in the Summer Palace is a proof of her love for the opera.

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