Still, it survives today as a “classical” art, honored and appreciated for its place in China’s traditional culture, as well as enjoyed for itself.Ĭhinese opera is a tradition with many branches. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, acclaimed opera actors were China’s superstars.īut Chinese opera suffered gravely during China’s Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), when it was almost completely banned, and since then has found itself eclipsed by modern forms of entertainment. Over time, various stage arts were added and integrated until Chinese opera emerged as the country’s most popular entertainment. But it also offers dance, mime, face painting, and acrobatics.Ĭhinese opera evolved from the earliest Chinese dramas in the twelfth century. Like opera in Western countries, Chinese opera features acting, singing, and sumptuous costumes. And what’s this? The heroine has grabbed a sword to join the fight!Īctually, the word “opera” only begins to describe this pinnacle of China’s traditional performing arts.
Spears fly, only to be hit or kicked back to the thrower-one, two, even four at a time. Swords clash, and warriors duck and dodge the blades. From the orchestra come sounds of cymbal, gong, and clapper to punctuate the action. They tumble and twirl, cartwheel and somersault, flip this way and that. Suddenly the stage is invaded by two bands of acrobatic warriors. Imagine you are sitting in a theater, listening to a heroine sing longingly of her beloved. (The other section was on the story.)-Aaron Here is one section of the author note from my picture book, Lady White Snake: A Tale From Chinese Opera.
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