Known as China's national opera, Peking Opera originated in the
late 18th century. It is a synthesis of dance, music and
acrobatics.
Based upon traditional Anhui Opera, it has also adopted
repertoire, folk tunes and performing skills from other local
operas.
Peking Opera can be divided into "civil" pieces, which are
characterized by singing, and "martial" ones, which feature
acrobatics and stunts.
Its operatic dialogues and monologues are recited in Beijing
dialect.
The actors and actresses use well-established movements while
singing, such as adjusting a hat, jerking a sleeve or raising a
foot, to express certain emotions.
There are four roles in general, including the male (Sheng), the
female (Dan), the "painted face" (Jing) and the clown (Chou), to be
further classified by age and profession. Each role has its fixed
singing and acting styles.
Sheng can be divided into the old, the young and the martial
arts expert.
Numerous schools and celebrated performers have emerged in the
past 200 years, and are emulated by today's actors and
actresses.
Among those famous names, masters to play aged male roles, or
laosheng, are Cheng Changgeng, Tan Xinpei, Zhou Xinfang and the
"Four Great Performers to play Laosheng (Yu Shuyan, Ma Lianliang,
Yan Jupeng and Gao Qingkui)."
(China Daily March 30, 2006)
