Peking Opera

by Chengbei Xu

• ISBN13: 9780521188210
• ISBN10: 0521188210
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-03-26
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Peking opera is one of the most distinctive traditions in Chinese culture - a tradition that can seem mysterious and complex to foreign eyes. In this illustrated introduction, Xu Chengbei explains the colorful make up, intricate costumes, characters, staging, stories and music associated with Peking opera, and discusses the origins and development of this unique performance art. Peking Opera is an essential starting point for all those interested in this intriguing part of China's cultural heritage.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 1
The Birth and Evolution of Peking Opera	p. 13
Anhui Troups moved into Beijing	p. 14
The Art of Listening: Old-Style Theatres	p. 19
Old Beijing in Peking Opera's Heyday	p. 24
Theatrical Companies and Old-Style Opera Schools	p. 28
Theatres, Temple Fairs and Tanghui	p. 33
The Stage, Props and Orchestra	p. 41
A Table and Two Chairs	p. 42
Wen Wu Chang	p. 47
Performing Art	p. 51
Four Roles of Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou	p. 52
Acting	p. 58
Singing, Dancing and Acting Skills	p. 62
"Realms" of Acting	p. 66
Performers and Performing Schools	p. 69
Nan Dan, or Men playing Female Roles	p. 76
Generations of Famous Actors	p. 79
Mei Lanfang, Famous Dan Impersonator	p. 86
Classic Plays	p. 91
Modem Peking Operas	p. 109
Conventions of Peking Opera	p. 115
Appreciating Peking Opera	p. 119
Peking Opera in the Contemporary Era	p. 125
Appendix: Chronological Table of the Chinese Dynasties	p. 131
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.