Peking OperaPrecious Price

History Peking is a form of traditional Chinese theatre opera that

involves music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics.

Arose in the 18th century and became recognized, fully, in the mid-19th century.

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History

During the late 20th century, Peking witnessed a steady decline in audience numbers. This was due to the decrease in performance quality and also the inability of the Peking opera to capture modern life.

To become a Peking opera actor requires vigorous training from an early age. This training is done by a professional teacher for seven years.

Language

Most commonly found in China, Peking Opera’s dialogues and monologues are spoken in Beijing dialect; some words are pronounced in a special fashion, unique to the opera.

Actors

1. Sheng (male role) Old

Young

Martial arts expert

2. Dan (female role) Young

Middle age

Innocent & dissolute

Martial art experts

Old women

Actors (cont.)

1. Jing (the painted faces) always played by frank and open-minded men with brightly

colored faces

2. Chou (clown roles) marked by a dap of white on the ridge of the nose.

Positive, kind-hearted, humorous

OR negative, crafty, malicious

Famous Actors/Actresses

Tan Xinpei, Yang Xiaolou, Yu Shuyan, Ma Lianliang and Zhou Xinfang

Mei Lanfang, Shang Xiaoyun, Cheng Yanqiu, Zhang Junqiu and Xun Huisheng

References

http://arts.cultural-china.com/en/90Arts1055.html

http://www.beijingopera.info/

http://shme.com/culture/opera/peking.htm

Goldstein, Joshua S. (2007). Drama Kings: Players and Publics in the Re-creation of Peking Opera, 1870–1937. University of California Press. pp. 3.