What is peking opera?

Peking Opera: A Synthesis of Art Forms

Peking Opera, also known as Jingju (京剧), is a prominent form of Chinese opera that combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. It emerged in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized in the mid-19th century. Peking Opera is considered one of the cultural treasures of China and has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

Key Characteristics:

• Four Main Role Types: Peking Opera is traditionally categorized into four main role types (角色; juésè): Sheng (生, male roles), Dan (旦, female roles), Jing (净, painted-face male roles), and Chou (丑, clown roles). Each role has sub-categories that define the character's personality, social status, and age.
• Elaborate Costumes and Makeup: The visual aspect of Peking Opera is striking, with performers wearing elaborate and colorful costumes that denote their character's status and personality. The makeup is equally important, with each color and pattern representing specific traits and revealing information about the character's nature. Painted faces (lianpu) are primarily used for Jing roles.
• Symbolic Gestures and Movements: Performances utilize a set of codified gestures and movements, often with symbolic meanings. These movements, including stylized walks, hand gestures, and fighting techniques, are used to express emotions and tell the story.
• Music and Vocal Performance: The music in Peking Opera is characterized by its use of stringed instruments (like the jinghu and yueqin), wind instruments (like the dizi and suona), and percussion instruments (like drums and gongs). Vocal performance is equally important, with actors using different singing styles and techniques to convey emotions and dialogue. The singing is highly stylized and often features falsetto for male roles.
• Acrobatics and Martial Arts: Acrobatics and martial arts are integral parts of Peking Opera performances, especially in battle scenes. These elements add excitement and visual appeal to the storytelling.
• Themes and Stories: Peking Opera stories are typically based on Chinese history, folklore, and classical literature. Common themes include loyalty, patriotism, love, and justice.
• Spoken Dialogue: The dialogue in Peking Opera is a mix of classical Chinese and vernacular language. This allows for both dramatic expression and accessibility to audiences.

Peking Opera is more than just entertainment; it is a rich art form that embodies Chinese culture, history, and values.