Beijing Opera: Traditional Chinese Performing Art
Beijing Opera (京剧, Jingju) is one of China's most famous traditional performing arts, with a history dating back over 200 years. It combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics into a unique art form that has been declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Experiencing a Beijing Opera performance is a must for anyone interested in Chinese culture.
History of Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera originated in the late 18th century during the Qing Dynasty, when four major opera troupes from Anhui Province came to perform for the imperial court in Beijing. It gradually evolved by absorbing elements from other regional operas, particularly the Han Opera from Hubei Province.
Key Historical Milestones
- Late 18th century: Four Anhui opera troupes (三庆班, 四喜班, 和春班, 春台班) perform in Beijing, laying the foundation for Beijing Opera
- 19th century: Beijing Opera absorbs elements from Han Opera and becomes popular among the general public
- Late 19th to early 20th century: Golden age of Beijing Opera with famous performers like Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun, and Xun Huisheng
- 1960s-1970s: Cultural Revolution period when traditional operas were suppressed and replaced by "model operas"
- 1978 onwards: Revival of traditional Beijing Opera with government support and international recognition
- 2010: Declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Artistic Elements of Beijing Opera
Face Painting
Elaborate facial makeup (脸谱, lianpu) is one of the most distinctive features of Beijing Opera. Different colors represent different character types: red for loyalty and courage, black for integrity and roughness, white for treachery, and gold/silver for supernatural beings.
Costumes
Beijing Opera costumes are elaborate and colorful, made with high-quality materials like silk and embroidered with intricate patterns. The style is based on the clothing of the Ming Dynasty, with different designs indicating social status, occupation, and character type.
Performance Techniques
Beijing Opera features highly stylized singing, reciting, acting, and acrobatics. Performers train for years to master techniques like the "water sleeve" dance, where long sleeves are manipulated to express emotions, and complex acrobatic fights.
Music
The music of Beijing Opera is dominated by two types of melodies: xipi (西皮) and erhuang (二黄). It is accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments like the jinghu (a two-stringed fiddle), yueqin (a plucked string instrument), and percussion instruments like the gong and drum.
Beijing Opera Character Types
Sheng (生) - Male Roles
- Laosheng (老生): Older male characters, usually scholars or officials, with a庄重 demeanor
- Xiaosheng (小生): Young male characters, often scholars or lovers
- Wusheng (武生): Martial male characters, skilled in acrobatics and fight scenes
Dan (旦) - Female Roles
- Qingyi (青衣): Elegant female characters, usually noblewomen or virtuous wives
- Huadan (花旦): Lively young female characters, often playful or flirtatious
- Wudan (武旦): Female warriors, skilled in martial arts and acrobatics
- Laodan (老旦): Elderly female characters
Jing (净) - Painted Faces
Characters with painted faces, usually warriors, heroes, or villains. Their elaborate makeup and bold singing styles distinguish them from other roles.
Chou (丑) - Comedy Roles
Comedic characters with a white patch around the nose. They provide comic relief and can be either clever and kind-hearted or foolish and treacherous.
Recommended Venues to Watch Beijing Opera
Liyuan Theater (梨园剧场)
Located in the Qianmen Hotel, Liyuan Theater is one of the most popular venues for watching Beijing Opera, especially for tourists. The performances are specially adapted for international audiences with English subtitles and program notes.
Location: Qianmen Hotel, 30 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
Showtime: 7:30pm daily
Ticket price: ¥180-¥480 (includes tea)
Mei Lanfang Grand Theater (梅兰芳大剧院)
Named after the legendary Beijing Opera master Mei Lanfang, this modern theater hosts high-quality traditional opera performances. It's a great place to experience authentic Beijing Opera as enjoyed by local audiences.
Location: 30 Xinjiekou South Street, Xicheng District
Showtime: Varies (usually 7:30pm on performance days)
Ticket price: ¥80-¥880
Lao She Teahouse (老舍茶馆)
While not exclusively dedicated to Beijing Opera, Lao She Teahouse offers cultural performances that include opera excerpts along with other traditional art forms like acrobatics, magic, and folk music.
Location: 3 Qianmen West Street, Xicheng District
Showtime: 2:30pm and 7:40pm daily
Ticket price: ¥180-¥480 (includes tea and snacks)
Practical Tips for Watching Beijing Opera
- Choose a performance that has English subtitles or a program with English explanations if you don't understand Chinese.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to appreciate the performers' makeup and costumes, which are often displayed or applied in public areas.
- Dress code is generally casual, but some upscale venues may appreciate more formal attire.
- It's acceptable to clap after a particularly impressive performance segment, not just at the end.
- Consider joining a backstage tour if available - many venues offer tours that let you see the performers preparing and learn more about the art form.
- Try to learn a bit about the story and characters beforehand to enhance your understanding and enjoyment.
- Some venues offer a combined dinner and performance experience, which can be a nice way to make an evening of it.
Beijing Opera Workshops and Classes
For a more immersive experience, consider participating in a Beijing Opera workshop or class where you can learn about the art form firsthand:
Opera Costume and Makeup Experience
Dress up in traditional Beijing Opera costumes and have professional makeup applied. Many studios offer photo packages so you can take home memories of your transformation.
Recommended: Beijing Opera Art Experience Center, Red Gate Gallery
Beijing Opera Acting Workshop
Learn basic Beijing Opera movements, gestures, and vocal techniques from professional performers. These workshops are usually hands-on and interactive.
Recommended: National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall
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