Chinese Opera

Chinese Opera is a unique diversity -- a transcendent of art which integrate music, drama, dancing, and acrobatics along with colorful attires and props, according to traditions and customs dating back as far as the 20th century.

An Esoteric Drama
The Chinese opera is a traditional form of stage merriment, pleating together elements of mime, dance, song, dialogue, swordplay, and acrobatics into an art form. Hand movements and expressions established within each performer's script bring forth a poignant achievement. In contrast to Western stage entertainment, which is subdivided into different categories such as opera, drama and skits, Chinese opera has continued ardent to its inceptive format over the centuries.

Chinese opera conveys the idea of time and space to the spectators through the acting of artist. This lucid and adaptable technique is called "imagined time and space" in Chinese entertainment world. The acting has been rectified to bring out best by making highly-stylize and rhythmic dancing movements. This is described as a "stylized formula". In addition, Chinese opera has exquisite costumes, facial make-ups, musical motifs and recitations to represent each character.

Chinese opera has enabled the story to rise above real life and create a strong dramatic atmosphere with diverse operatic effects.

Diverse Chinese Opera
Chinese opera boasts over 300 various distinct forms -
Beijing opera is considered to be the most elegant. Also widespread are Pingju Opera, Kunqu Opera, Shaoxing Opera, Henan Opera, Sichuan Opera, Shanxi Opera, Huangmei Opera, Huagu Opera and Yangko Opera.

National Fu Hsing-Opera Museum
A visit to the opera museum of the National Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy - one of the most captivating sights, will definitely leaves its visitors spell bound. The museum showcases numerous dresses, armaments, headgear, musical instruments, and props used in Chinese opera. Foreign tourist doesn’t have problem in understanding as there are notes written in both English and Chinese, giving a precise explanation of the various displays. It is a most appropriate starting place for a "Chinese Opera Experience." Bus Route: Take bus no. 247 or 287 to the academy, which is located at 177 Neihu Road, Section2.