PANG Ho Fai 06006043

HUNG Shan Shan 06013112

Chinese 　 　　　　　　Western

Content

• Comparison in aspects:

1. Concept of theatre

2. Stage design

3. Actors/acting

4. Costume

Chinese• Trace back to Han

Dynasty (200 B.C.)• Flourished in Yuen

Dynasty (13th Cent.)• National opera -

Beijing Opera

Western• Originated from

Greek Drama (• Flourished in 16th

Cent. in Italy• Italian, German,

French, English, Russian

History

HUNG Shan Shan

Concept　of　theatre

• Imitation V.S. Exaggeration

PANG Ho Fai

Concept　of　theatre

Western opera• Imitation of real life• Motive: illusion of real life and stimulation of

sense • Conflicts, Violence and Death are key

elements• Aristotle: “An absolutely lifelike imitation can

bring pleasant sensation; no matter the object is a dead body.” 　 -from 《 Ars Poetica 》

PANG Ho Fai

Chinese opera• Emotional expression as the main concept• Motive: Performing arts of interior emotion• Exaggeration in aspect of costume and plot • Focus on Destiny and Harmony between men

and nature• Conflict can be excluded

Concept　of　theatre

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Stage

• Simple VS Realistic

Music ensemble

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Western• Influenced by Greek scientific,

rational idea

• “Mimesis” - tend to imitate/ depict the realitye.g. Balcony, Boat

• Grand stage without fixed setting

Chinese• Stage setting is less

important

• Can be temporary

• Relative smaller stage with simple theatrical propertiese.g. 1 table 2 chairs

HUNG Shan Shan

Beijing　Opera　Stage　Setting

TableEntrance Exit

Cha

Backdrop

Band/Orchestra

Stage Carpet

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Actor/ActingSimilarities• Singing skills is very important

Western: Tenor, Soprano (男女高音 ), sometimes with ballet dancing

Chinese: 大嗓、小嗓、大小嗓　 (normal, Falsetto, mixed)

HUNG Shan Shan

Men

Women

Flower Face

Comedian

Differences• Key elements of acting in

Chinese opera1. 生、旦、淨、丑　 (men,

women, “Flower face”, comedian)

2. 唱、唸、做、打、舞　 (Sing, speak, do, fight, dance)

Martial Arts Dancing

HUNG Shan Shan

Costume

Chinese Opera• Different costumes different

social classes

(no difference between dynasties)

• Exaggeration of clothes

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Masks & Facial Makeup

1. Chou ( 丑 )• male comedian • painted face (小花臉 )2. Sheng( 生 )• main male role• plain face (素面 )3. Dan ( 旦 )• Female role• Clean face (淨面 )4. Jing ( 淨 )• primary or secondary

roles• flower face (大花臉 )

PANG Ho Fai

Classification of Colours

• Red: brave, justice, loyal• Yellow: valiant, fierce, steady• Blue: staunch, brave, scheming• Green: tenacious, hot-tempered• White:

watery white: treacherous, cunning

oily white: arrogant, stern• Black: justice• Gold and Silver: Gods, ghosts

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Costume

Western Opera• research about the period of time of the play• Follow info about the style during that period of time

PANG Ho Fai

Mask

• For gods, jesters and animals

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Summary

• little in common in the aspects of theatrical concept, stage setting, acting and costumes

• they are originated from 2 totally different logic of thinkings.

HUNG Shan Shan