The making of opera costumes is a special and unique stagecraft. Later, satin, crepe and silk were used, decorated with various meticulously embroidered patterns. In the early days, opera costumes were mainly made of wool or coarse cloth. Until recently, even that of the female characters were played by men.Ĭostumes are an integral part of the Peking Opera performance. All but the second portray a male or masculine character. These roles have the natural features of age and sex, as well as social status, and are artificially exaggerated by makeup, costume and gestures. There are four roles in Peking Opera: sheng (a male role, usually a leading one), dan (female roles), jing (painted-face roles) and chou (clown roles). Beijing Opera makeup brushes for applying face paintīeijing Opera singer back stage Beijing Opera Roles Peking Opera underwent rapid development during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi, gradually becoming popular with and accessible to the Chinese masses. Its main melodies originate from the towns of Xipi and Erhuang in Anhui and Hubei province, and it is widely believed that the art form came into being after 1790, when four famous Anhui opera troupes visited Beijing.

Peking Opera has a 200 year old history, really blossoming in the mid-nineteenth century.

Chang'an Grand Theatre, Beijing Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business Beijing Opera performers on stage

In 2010 Peking Opera was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Peking Opera is more than just music and singing it combines drama, dancing, martial arts and acrobatics, making it one of the most multi-faceted theatrical art forms in the world. It is an iconic art from that most people know by name, but have never seen. Watching an authentic Peking Opera is an opportunity few people get to enjoy. Chinese Culture: Beijing Opera in the 21st Centuryīrave New Face: The evolving world of Peking Opera

Raban peking opera