Feel the Noise: How to Appreciate Peking Opera

We can all acknowledge that Chinese opera is very different from its Western counterpart. Although someone like Andrea Bocelli would probably make a fine eunuch on the Beijing stage, the similarities between the two styles are very limited. The use of gestures, acrobats, and cacophonous music is so alien to our cultural palate, but if you approach it with an open mind, the beauty of this amazing art form will eventually reveal itself. From the details of the costumes and makeup, to the other worldly sounds coming out of the performers, there is nothing else like it. Here are a few basic concepts to help newcomers get a better understanding of this art form, and clear your path to becoming a Mei Lanfang fanboy. 

Acting and Dance
With the cacophony of sounds and vigorous movements, it’s sometimes hard to believe that every detail of Chinese opera is calculated with exact precision to evoke a desired emotional response. It uses a style of acting that’s more suggestive than realistic, and focuses on injecting as much beauty as possible in every action rather than directly imitating life. Movements and facial expressions are the actors’ primary tools for narrating these stories, and it requires years of dedication to master these unique stage traditions. Everything from the costume and the colors painted on an actor’s face reveal important details about the story. For example, white indicates a sinister or evil character, while red is brave and loyal, and black is fierce yet impartial. Because it so minimal in terms of props and set design, nothing is arbitrary. 

Music
Musical accompaniment in Chinese opera consists of a small ensemble of melodic and percussive instruments. The lead instrument is the jinghu, a two-stringed fiddle, the main purpose of which is to precisely synchronize with the singers and adapt to spontaneous moments of improv and create instinctive harmonies at a moment’s notice. It’s amazing how tight the musicians are with the singers, far more complex than the general consensus that it all sounds like feral cats in heat. It isn’t pop music, so the songs won’t just sit passively in the room for you to comfortably ignore. The songs of Chinese opera 
command your attention, which for some people can be overwhelming.

Venue
Now that your curiosity about this unique cultural treasure is piqued, you should know that it’s crucial to experience Chinese opera in the right venue, not just streaming the video at your desk or dropping by a dumpy hotel stage. If you are interested in experiencing some of the best in Beijing, make sure to check out Zhengyici Theater, which has hosted many opera greats during its over 300 years of history, including American comedian Louis CK (no kidding). Here you can surround yourself with the antiquity and traditions of Peking Opera, in a venue constructed during the Ming Dynasty (circa 1688) and tastefully restored to maintain a classical Chinese aesthetic. The combination of this aura of authenticity, their talented troupe of performers and nicely curated programming make it an unforgettable experience. For maximum enjoyment get familiar with the stories before attending the performance so you can follow along, but it’s also possible to just tune in and drop out to all of those crazy meandering sounds and blinged out physical theater. It’s really psychedelic stuff. 

Photos: Kipp Whittaker