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Sinchuan opera, Chengdu, one of the oldest and the most interesting opera form
in Southwestern China forms a significant part of Chengdu cuture. A perfect blend
of local dialect, customs, folk music and dances of different regions, the Sichuan
opera, Chengdu first originated in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and thereafter
Sinchuan opera became popular in Snichuan province and some regions of Yunnan
and Guizhou provinces.
The opera is characterized by its unique combination of five forms: gaoqiang
with high-pitched singing; kunqu , huqin and tanxi, featuring flute, violin
and zither accompaniment respectively; and denxi , lantern-play, solo singing
refined acting, rich percussion and irresistibly funny comedians. Through its
varied popular performances, such as Bianlian (Changing faces), Gundeng (Rolling
lamps) and Tuhuo (Spitting fire) and especially through the performance of the
clown, the Sichuan opera conveys an idea of time and space to the audience.
Sinchuan Opera, Chengdu displays an exceptional skill of changing faces or
bianlian in Chinese, grasped by only few talented actors, who know how to change
on stage different Sichuan opera masks quickly again and again within seconds,
without the audience noticing it. By raising the hand, swinging a sleeve or
tossing the head, an actor uses different masks of different colors, red, blue,
black, white, green etc to show different emotions of fear, tensions, desperation,
anger, relaxation and so on. There are three types of face changes. In the Wiping
Mask routine the actor applies cosmetic paint in a certain position on his face.
The Blowing Mask routine works with powder cosmetics, such as gold, silver,
and ink powders. The most difficult is the Pulling Mask routine. Masks are painted
on pieces of damask, well cut, hung with a silk thread, and the lightly pasted
to the face one by one. This main highlight of the Sichuan Opera, Chengdu has
made it famous even overseas.
The Sichuan opera troupes in Chengdu are rate artistically top level. Numerous
other Sichuan opera troupes are active throughout the province, both in the
countryside and in the cities. In Chengdu the famous Changing face of the Sinchuan
opera, Chengdu can be seen in the Sichuan Opera Theater, at No. 20, Zhuangyuan
Street as well as in Shunxing Old Tea House, third floor of Chengdu International
Exhibition Center, No. 258, Shawan Road; in Shufeng Square inside People's Park,
and in Shufeng Yayun Garden in the Culture Park.
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