Recording-2025-03-05T22:00:57.667Z

Chapter Two: Beijing Opera

Overview of Beijing Opera

• Historical Context

  • Standardized traditional theater in China, established around 1790.

  • Originated in a formal society influenced by Confucianism, emphasizing organization and hierarchy.

• Key Themes

  • Major subjects include family dynamics and moral messages based on teachings of Confucius.

Playwrights and Performance Setting

• Anonymous Playwrights

  • Unlike Western playwrights (e.g., Shakespeare), Beijing opera playwrights are generally anonymous.

  • They rearranged Confucian writings and teachings into dramatic performances.

• Audience Experience

  • Performances often held in restaurant-like theaters with audiences drinking tea and eating.

  • Attention focus primarily on exciting and clever moments of the play, contributing to an immersive experience.

Historical Development of Theater in China

• Early Beginnings

  • Originated from religious rituals and performances connecting to fertility, harvests, and war success.

  • Development during the Han dynasty included acrobatic disciplines and emerging shadow plays.

• Cultural Renaissance

  • In the Sui dynasty, performance became more widespread and formalized under emperors who valued theatrical arts.

  • By the Tang dynasty, performances combined music, dance, and acrobatics, leading to further training schools.

Emergence of Dramas and Plays

• Poetic and Narrative Forms

  • Introduction of poetry and novel storytelling formats during the Song dynasty, leading to tea house performances.

  • Fragmented scripts developed with spoken prologues, narrative, and song.

• Mongol Influences

  • The Mongol invasion in the late 13th century contributed to a golden age of literature and drama.

Distinct Styles of Drama

• Jiaxu and Chuanqi

  • Two primary styles of drama emerged:

    • Jiaxu: Structured in four acts, with specific songs and vocal conventions. Known for plays like "The Orphan of Zhao."

    • Chuanqi: Comprised of 30 to 50 acts, lacking a fixed rhyme scheme. Famous for works such as "The Peony Pavilion."

Formation of Beijing Opera

• Cultural Fusion

  • In 1790, various regional theatrical troops combined styles to form Beijing opera during the celebration of Emperor Qianlong's birthday.

• Storytelling Structure

  • Comprised of civil and military stories, often ending on a happy note, with a focus on acting, singing, and dancing over text.

Performance Elements

• Set Design

  • Minimalistic setups with symbolic items (e.g., a table and chairs that serve multiple purposes).

• Symbolic Props

  • Colors and items represent significant elements (e.g., silver banners for water, black gauze for dreams).

Character Types and Makeup

• Character Categories

  • Divided into four main types: Sheng (male leads), Dan (female leads), Xing (clowns), and Ciao (various roles). Each character type comes with specific movement and vocal traits.

• Costuming and Makeup

  • Extensive color-coded costumes and intricate makeup designs convey character traits and moral alignment (e.g., colors represent loyalty, nobility, or villainy).

Chinese Opera in the 20th Century

• Cultural Shifts

  • During communism, operatic works were altered, particularly during the Cultural Revolution, leading to the production of state-friendly operas.

  • Example: "The White Haired Girl," showcasing themes favorable to communist ideology.

Conclusion

• Beijing opera persists and evolves despite historical challenges, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and social values of China.