Peking Opera, China’s national opera

　　Like the acting and singing, the makeup is stylized, inspired by the masks worn by dancers in Tang, Song and Yuan dynasty operas. The makeup highlights and exaggerates the principal features of characters.

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　　For the painted face role, the color of their made-up faces can be an indication of their characters of personality. Red indicates uprightness and loyalty; white is craftiness and cunning. Blue indicates a vigorous, courageous and enterprising nature while yellow means an intelligent character, but a less extroverted one. Black shows a sound and honest character while brown is often the symbol of a stubborn and obstinate character.

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　　The costumes are based on those of the Ming Dynasty, no matter when the story is set. The props can include a cloth wall, tents, parasols, whips, paddles and weapons. The props are realistic, but not so elaborate that they detract from the performance. Exaggeration and symbolism are characteristics of the opera. Holding a whip is enough to indicate an actor is galloping on a horse. A few soldiers on the stage may represent a whole army. An actor circling the stage suggests a long journey. 1155815.cn

　　Often there are just a table and a few chairs on the stage. The description of many situations depends on the performance of the actors and actresses.  1155815.cn

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