Peking/Beijing Opera

Question 1

What is peking opera (5)

Answer 1

Art form that has 200 years of history. It is a blend of stylistic action, singing, dialogue and mime, acrobatic fighting and dancing

Question 2

Origins and history of peking opera

Answer 2

Peking opera originated in the mid 19th century when four big Huiban opera troupes came to Beijing and began to adopt elements of the operatic forms already popular at the time over half a century, the troupes combined and integrated stories and methods from the various popular opera styles encountered, eventually creating an entirely new tradition.

Question 3

What type of stories does peking opera tell? (5)

Answer 3

Peking opera tell stories from historical dynasties: important events, life stories of emperors, ministers and generals, geniuses and great beauties.

Question 4

What does an evening programme of peking opera look like?

Answer 4

an evening program of peking opera alternates a series of short pieces with acrobatic displays.There are no intermissions. the scenes are arranged so that the best performers are saved for the final episode

Question 5

What are the two headings that peking operas are usually classified under

Answer 5

Civil plays – social and domestic themes
military plays – adventures of Warriors or brigands

Question 6

Conventions of peking opera (5)

Answer 6

Actors make changes at arbitrary points. Each troupe has their own version of standard works, all of which end happily.

The dramatic action is often obscure as beginnings and endings on neglected because the primary interest is the high point (climax) of the story.

The play merely serves as an outline for performance and the audience goes to see the production rather than to hear the text.

Early theatres were teahouses – spectators were served tea while they watch the play. Now most theatres have western style seating

Spectators come and go freely, eat and drink and carry on conversations.

Question 7

What does music establish in peking opera (3)

Answer 7

Music establishes atmosphere, controls timing and movement, accompanies sung portions and creates a rhythmical unity.

Question 8

Music in peking opera

Answer 8

Entrances and exits of all characters are signalled by deafening percussion passages.

Question 9

What are costumes in peking operas made of? (7)

Answer 9

The costumes in peking opera are brilliantly coloured. Most pieces are a combination of silk with hand embroidery of traditional Chinese patterns in vivid colours. Over 300 articles of costume are used, each designed to indicate the wearers character type, age and social status. colour is also used symbolically. Costumes are made of rich materials regardless of the characters social position. They do not have to be historically accurate. Costume accessories are used to achieve dramatic affect on stage even if they have little practical use

Question 10

Colours in costumes and what they symbolise

Answer 10

Yellow represents royalty,
red is loyalty and high social position,
dark crimson represents a Barbarian or military advisor.

Question 11

What are the common motifs in peking opera

Answer 11

A tiger represents power and masculinity
a plum blossom represents long life and feminine charm
a dragon associated with the Emperor

Question 12

Different movements and sets and what they represent in peking opera

Answer 12

Speech on the song.

Mime example knocking at gates, climbing stairs, entering rooms, circle around the stage representing a long journey.

The arrangement of the table and chairs could indicate a court of law or banqueting hall.

The addition of props example an incense tripod represents a palace, an official seal represents an office, and embroidered curtain hung from a pole represents a general’s tent or an emperors chamber or a bride’s bedroom, chairs back to back represent a wall, backs of chairs against the ends of the table represents a bridge, a single chair represent a tree or door, a table alone represent the hill, cloud or other high place 

a banner with a fish design represents water

Question 13

What are the 4 main roles

Answer 13

Male roles (sheng)
Female roles (tan)
Painted face roles (Ching)
Clown roles (ch’ou)

Question 14

Elaborate on male roles (sheng)
Range:2
Types:4
Involve:2

Answer 14

These range from young to old and week to powerful. They can include statesman, scholars, lovers, warriors and other heroic types. There are roles which involves acrobats and fighting, and those which are restricted to singing and dancing

Question 15

Elaborate on female roles (tan)
Types:6

Answer 15

These are subdivided into six kinds: virtuous wife or lover, coquettes, warrior maidens, young unmarried girls, evil woman an old woman. These roles were originally all played by women. Actresses were banned from the stage from the late 18th century until they returned to the stage in the 1911

Question 16

Elaborate on painted face rules (ching)
Distinguished by…
Include:4
Characteristic:1
Roles:2

Answer 16

These roles are distinguished by elaborate painted facial make up. They include gods and other supernatural beings, courtiers, warriors and bandits. Their basic characteristic is that they swagger and display supernatural strength. The roles are subdivided into good or evil or whether they must engage in fighting and gymnastics.

Question 17

Elaborate on clown roles (ch’ou) (4)

Answer 17

These are the most realistic characters. They speak in every day language and are free to joke and improvise. They may be servants, businessman, jailers, matchmakers, shrewish mothers-in-law or soldiers. They must be good at mimicry and acrobats

Question 18

Makeup

Answer 18

Each character wears a painted mask. The contrast in colours and patterns identify him and reveal his tendencies and temperament. Bearded sheng actors an old woman wear a little make up. In most tan rolls, the face is painted white with the eyes surrounded by deep red, shading into pink. In ching roles, realism is ignored – entire face is painted in bold patterns symbolic of the characters traits. In the clown rolls the distinguishing feature is a white pads around each eye. Types of clowns are differentiated by a variety of black patterns painted on the face.