Peking opera
Beijing theatrical tradition
Peking opera is a traditional Chinese theatrical form combining music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics.
Originating in Beijing in the late 18th century, it features elaborate costumes, stylized makeup, and symbolic gestures.
Performers train for years to master its demanding techniques.
The art form is considered a national treasure of China: We attended a Peking opera performance during our visit to Beijing.
Martial arts proficiency level
- painted faceFeatures covered in cosmetics
- clownComedic performer in makeup
- heroOne admired for courage
- warriorOne skilled in combat
scholar · maiden · villain · emperor · general · concubine · judge · character
Ornamental head covering
- robesLong loose outer garments
- silkFine woven insect fiber
- brocadeRaised-pattern luxury fabric
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
makeup · elaborate · ornate · stylized · tassels · beading · sequins · regalia
Raised performance platform
- ariaOperatic solo piece
- rolePosition or part
- troupeTraveling group of performers
- repertoireWorks ready to perform
recital · curtain · audience · playhouse · rehearsal · director · ensemble · backstage
China's seat of government
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
- repertoireWorks ready to perform
- masterpieceSupreme artistic achievement
classic · preservation · apprenticeship · lineage · UNESCO · convention · ritual · symbolism
Chinese bowed string instrument
- percussionSound through impact
- gongStruck metal disc
- cymbalStruck metal percussion disc
- clappersBell's internal hammers
drum · melody · rhythm · instrumental · accompaniment · orchestra · beat · tempo
dan
Martial arts proficiency level
- painted faceFeatures covered in cosmetics
- clownComedic performer in makeup
- heroOne admired for courage
warrior · scholar · maiden · villain · emperor · general · concubine · judge · character
headdress
Ornamental head covering
embroidery · makeup · elaborate · ornate · stylized · tassels · beading · sequins · regalia · beard
stage
Raised performance platform
repertoire · recital · curtain · audience · playhouse · rehearsal · director · ensemble · backstage · theatrical
Beijing
China's seat of government
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
- repertoireWorks ready to perform
masterpiece · classic · preservation · apprenticeship · lineage · UNESCO · convention · ritual · symbolism · stylization
erhu
Chinese bowed string instrument
- percussionSound through impact
- gongStruck metal disc
- cymbalStruck metal percussion disc
clappers · drum · melody · rhythm · instrumental · accompaniment · orchestra · beat · tempo · singing
tumbling
Acrobatic rolling and flipping
- somersaultFull-body forward rotation
- backflipRearward aerial tumble
- cartwheelLateral body rotation
aerial · martial arts · swordplay · combat · spear · staff · kicks · splits · balance · agility
- ChinaBeijing, Shanghai, Great Wall, Yellow River, Chinese calligraphy
- Chinese cultureConfucianism, Chinese calligraphy, Beijing, Chinese New Year, Daoism
- Asian artskabuki, noh theater, bunraku, ukiyo-e, sumi-e
- Asian pastimesmahjong, origami, karaoke, tai chi, go
- cultural presentationsfolk dance, traditional dance, cultural festival, ethnic music, folk music
- performancestalent show, dance routine, ballet, comedy act, variety show
Peking operastraight play
Theater without musical numbers
modern drama · film · method acting · silent film · pantomime
Peking operaItalian opera
Lyric drama from Rome's peninsula
Broadway musical · Greek tragedy · grand opera · bel canto · kabuki
Peking operanaturalism
Worldview excluding the supernatural
realism · slice of life · cinema verité · social realism · improvisational theater
opera, operatic, Peking, operatics, Pekingese, Chinese opera, Beijing opera