Global Arts: Watch the Peking Opera

If the word opera gets you thinking about unwavering soprano or baritone voices, Western classical music performed by a grand orchestra to accompany a stage drama, the Peking Opera is sure to give you a slightly different outlook. In this session an artisan will offer insights into the Peking Opera – the most dominant form of Chinese opera combining music, dance, mime, acrobatics and vocals. Join us to interact in Mandarin, with a native performer, while learning about this 200-year-old oriental art form from China. 

Originating in Beijing in the Qing dynasty, the Peking Opera gained recognition in the mid-19th century and is an impressive part of the Chinese culture. This classic performance art combines Chinese instruments, dancing, singing, miming and history. Our host will introduce you to the four main characters of the Peking Opera performance – Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou. You might want to listen intently to be able to identify the characteristics of these four characters, and how their appearances differ. You will learn about the various masks used, what each portray, and what significance colours of the face paint have for each of the characters. 

Each artist of the Peking Opera would have begun training in all the performing arts from a very early age. Interestingly, every artist must have trained in the martial arts too, to be a complete performer of the opera. Discipline and adherence to the rules of performance is of utmost importance. 

With colourful costumes, exotic headgear and vibrant stage settings, the Peking Opera is truly a spectacular sight. Take this session to learn about this enthralling performance and the talented artists behind this art, right from the horse’s mouth i.e., from a native Mandarin-speaking performer of the Peking Opera.