Sichuan Opera
Portraits of Chinese Opera stars in Chengdu, China.
Chinese musical drama dates back over 2,000 years while many of the operas performed today stem from the 17th century and describe the intrigue of emperors and Gods, as well as love stories and comedy.
In this particular theatre in Chengdu the performers are expert at applying their own make up while the distinctive costume worn by the characters informs the audience of rank, status and personality traits.
According to Chengdu resident Trey Lee, who has been promoting and watching Sichuan opera for 30 years, the stories told through musical theatre are considered to contain important moral messages that relate to everyday living.
But attendance amongst Chinese at their local opera is declining. He expressed a concern that China’s modern day youth are more interested in video games and western influences than learning the lessons of previous generations from their own culture.
Chinese musical drama dates back over 2,000 years while many of the operas performed today stem from the 17th century and describe the intrigue of emperors and Gods, as well as love stories and comedy.
In this particular theatre in Chengdu the performers are expert at applying their own make up while the distinctive costume worn by the characters informs the audience of rank, status and personality traits.
According to Chengdu resident Trey Lee, who has been promoting and watching Sichuan opera for 30 years, the stories told through musical theatre are considered to contain important moral messages that relate to everyday living.
But attendance amongst Chinese at their local opera is declining. He expressed a concern that China’s modern day youth are more interested in video games and western influences than learning the lessons of previous generations from their own culture.