BEJING OPERA PERFORMANCE pf THE DRUNKEN CONCUBINE

THE DRUNKEN CONCUBINE

There are many Chinese Opera clips and films on YouTube but I chose this one because of the informative post that comes with it.  "Chinese opera has a history dating some 2,000 years. There are 317 types of opera, of which Peking opera is the most important and well-known. The practitioner of Peking opera is a master athlete -- he must be in top physical shape to accommodate the rigors of this performance art. Most performers begin their training from childhood. A well-known example is Kungfu star Jacky Chan, who started training in Peking opera as a child. Performers wear extensive makeup; their whole faces are painted in bright colors. Colorful masks, inspired from ancient ceremonies and religious symbols, are done by the actors. The color of each character's face is significant as it represents the character's personality and fate.

The Emperors, Empresses, and many others, including Cixi, had Operas performed in their palaces for entertainment, even daily.