Beijing Opera characters

Beijing (also called the Beijing Opera), Opera is a classic form of ' s Chinese theatre. Beijing Opera began at the end of the 18th century and reached the height of his popularity through the middle of the 19th century. The Beijing opera actors Act simply - employ several other forms of expression of their parts. Players will use the song, speech and various methods of dance and acrobatics to each piece. These sacred and specific representations also follow strict formats as regards design, wardrobe and make-up. There are four main classifications of characters in the Opera of Beijing, each with a corresponding style makeup to locate other actor. There the Sheng, Dan, Jing and cabbage. None of these types of characters can assume the primary role of the show. Jing and Chou characters have more dynamic and more distinctive face painting. Colours play an important role in the theatre as well. Red is equal to courage, yellow indicates the ambition, blue is fierce, white is sinister, black is rough, purple is noble and sophisticated, and gold and silver are generally reserved for supernatural roles.

Sheng
Sheng is the main male role. There are abundance of subtypes for this category, but the players are comprised of three main groups. A Lao sheng (or "Principal") would be a more mature male character, which is age means or more and generally a beard. The role of Xiao Sheng ("Junior") is a young man. Wu Sheng ("Acrobatic") is the most physically active role while a militarist character specially trained in acrobatics. Face a Sheng painting is preserved on the light side in order to improve the appearance of the player and he seeks soft temperament. Some Shengs have red face paint for a more dramatic flair.

Dan
The female role of Dan has six major subtypes. Qing Yi is modest, Hua Dan is painful, GUI men Dan is married girl, Tao Ma Dan is a strong woman (often a military General), Wu Dan is an Acrobat and Lao Dan is a mature woman. In the early years of the Beijing Opera, the prohibition of women artists performers forced all female parts to be played by men. Known for their awareness of social status, the Chinese attribute a level of social status for each type of Dan with Yi Qing high ranking. In appearance, Yi Qing virtuous and beautiful is simple but elegant clothes and makeup, while the most spectacular Hua Dan is presented in dress painting and more intense facial. The mature nature of Lao Dan bears no makeup at all, and his costumes are muted colour and nature.

Jing
Jing, or painted face the role, has a rich and striking capacity. Not be considered as the most intelligent character classifications, the Jing is known for having more than one courageous character, street-wise. As opposed to the particular tone of voice of an Sheng, the Jing is gruff and course. The Jing was often assumes the role of a military officer. Paint and costume face colour indicates the alignment of the character. Red is aligned with the good, white, black evil, is sharp and blue is a joker. The three subtypes of the Jin designate special talents. A Hei Tou is singing, a Zi Jia is preferable to act, and Wu Jing is better combat and acrobatics.

Cabbage
Chou, or clown, can be a bit like the clown of the Beijing Opera and is obliged to step to bring comic or light-hearted relief. The social status of particular cabbage can be inferred by the elaborateness of her dress. Most develop costume, the superior status of cabbage. What is called "low-class" characters like fisherman and messengers are usually represented by a cabbage. Chous can be good or bad. The cabbage has two major subtypes, civil Wen Chou-Chou Wu military. Nose cabbage is usually painted in white, to give a more comedic aspect.

If there are only four main types of characters in the Beijing Opera, there is a plethora of different subtypes. Painting of costumes and face complex and simple add a further dimension to the character, with special skills and abilities of each character. It is not surprising why this sophisticated and entertaining Theatre form spreads across China in the world.