Peking OperaJames & Eddie 7B

Ancient History The Peking opera is the highest artistic thing that shows

Chinese culture and tradition.

It has a about 220 year long history.

It’s also historic

4 Great Anhui troupe came to Beijing in 1790 and that’s when they started the Peking Opera

1828 = Hubei troupe came and performed with Anhui troupe

All people, even poor people, enjoyed the Peking Opera melodies

Opera is one of the main entertainments of China during the cultural revolution.

Modern History of Opera Masks

Beijing opera or Peking opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics.

It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century.

Who wears what?

There are four roles in Beijing opera: Sheng, Dan, Jing, and ChouSheng represents male actor In sheng, Wawashen are the actor for kids doesn’t wear no facial painting.

Also in Sheng, Hongshen, their face is painted red.

Dan are female roles and they don’t wear masks Jing who are most often male face ace-painted roles representing warriors, heroes, statesmen, adventurers, and demons.

Chou are clowns and they don’t wear masks

Colors represent what? Red used on masks indicates a positive character, prosperity, loyalty, courage,

heroism, and bravery.

Purple is sometimes used as a substitute for red. Purple can represent justice and sophistication.

Black means that the character is neutral. It indicates impartiality and integrity.

Blue faces are also an indication of neutrality. Blue can show stubbornness, astuteness and fierceness.

Green shows that the character is violent, impulsive and lacks restraint.

Yellow tells the audience that the character is cruel, evil, hypocritical, ambitious or sly.

White faces indicate that the character is evil and hypocritical.

Gold and silver show the audience that the character is a god or a demon. It symbolize mystery.

How to make the Mask?

Material:

Printable white card stock

Crayons or paint

Scissors

Cutter

Hole punch

Rubber bands

How to make a mask?1. Print-out any mask templates on white

cardstock

2. Draw design to create a character for your mask

3. Color or pain your mask

4. Cut out the mask including the eyeholes

5. Punch holes on each side of the mask

6. Attach a rubber band on each hole