Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Peking opera at the Yifi Theatre
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
Peking Opera
There are more than 360 different varieties of Chinese opera, including a popular regional
version (Kunju), but Peking opera remains the best-known style. It's recognisable by its fal-
setto singing, vivid make-up, percussion-based music, striking acrobatics and librettos based
on the exploits of legendary heroes. Peking opera was king in old Shanghai; it is a highly de-
manding art: actors, who begin training as children, must learn not only to sing and dance,
but also to acquire an extensive repertoire of highly stylised gestures and acrobatics. Few
props are used, which means the audience must use their imagination to fill in the consider-
able blanks.
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