Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera (simplified Chinese京剧) combines literature, music, vocal performance, dance, martial arts and acrobatics. Beijing Opera found its beginning in the late 18th century. Following this, Beijing Opera became very popular in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). People who are planning to visit an opera performance will be impressed by the art, language and music. For accommodation in Beijing, Studios92 can help you find the perfect hotel, hostel, apartment or studio.
Beijing opera features four types, namely Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou. These types imply a role division according to rank. Sheng and Dan are good, Jing and Chou are bad. Stories are often based on a political, military or historical theme. The performers are judged by the beauty of their movements.
There are four main skills they have to obtain: song, speech, dance-acting and finally combat. Combat includes both acrobatics and weaponry. All the skills are to be combined in a performance. Every movement is being combined with music in order to express meaning. Performers also have special face-painting. This displays the character of a specific role, certain colours on the performers faces symbolize the character and quality of a certain role. By defining character, clothes also play an important role. Next to this, clothes attracts the visitors attention. The type of clothes is very broad, from ropes, boots and hats.
The music of Beijing opera is also very famous, being a part of the traditional Chinese arts which attach meaning to a performance. It is said that there are over 1,400 works based on Chinese history and folklore to be played in opera. During a play, musicians are visible to the audience. The opera stage is mainly a square platform in order for the audience to see the performers from three sides.
Beijing Opera has spread its awareness not only throughout China, but also in Hong Kong, Taiwan and many other communities. Today, Beijing Opera has three main kinds of performances: traditional, new historical plays and modern performances. Modern opera can for example be found in the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Chang’an Grand Theatre.
Performances
Beijing has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment and fun. When paying a visit to Beijing, one should not miss the famous acrobatic shows. With a history of more than 3000 years, Chinese acrobatics is familiar on international level, astonishing people all over the world in more than 100 countries. Chinese acrobatics started to develop in 1949, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is mostly famous for stunts in performances and being an important part of the Chinese culture. The acrobatic shows include music, light, compositions, dance and much more.
The famous stage art is performed throughout China by more than 100 troupes. With a performance, emphasis is put on the lighting, music and clothing. The clothes in acrobatics enhance the beauty of the performance. The clothes can vary from traditional to modern. Visual effects are seen as very important. It is said that, to become a good acrobat, you should start training at the age of about 7 years old. Because some stunts can be difficult and aren’t without risk, acrobats have to train really hard, including every day practice. After ten years, the acrobats are skilled enough to go on stage.
With the unique compositions, features and skills, Beijing Opera is well worth visiting. You shouldn’t miss the chance to see the tremendous strength, balance and sights. It is a way to experience a part of the unique Chinese culture. In Beijing there are of course many acrobatics theatres, like the Chaoyang Theatre and the Universal Theatre.
Other entertainment:
Beijing food and parks Beijing nightlife and karaoke Beijing opera and performances Beijing sports and shopping
Just like in other cities, Studios92 offers visitors in Beijing great accommodation deals, transportation and all kinds of information. For more information about accommodation in Beijing, feel free to submit an enquiry or contact Studios92.You can also visit the local government tourism website, providing more information about Beijing.
