Peking Opera (English Edition): The Performance Behind the Painted Faces – Roles, Schools & Classic Plays

Discover the Stories Behind the Painted Faces

For centuries, the stages of China have come alive with the thunderous drums, soaring vocals, and dazzling acrobatics of Peking Opera. But for the uninitiated, the elaborate costumes and symbolic painted faces can seem like a beautiful mystery.

Peking Opera: The Performance Behind the Painted Faces is your essential guide to unlocking this centuries-old art form. Written by renowned cultural scholar Xu Chengbei and translated for English-speaking audiences, this book acts as both a history and a viewer’s companion-1.

Whether you are a student of world theater, a lover of Chinese culture, or a traveler preparing for a trip to Beijing, this book provides a clear and engaging pathway to understanding the nuances of the art.

What You Will Learn Inside:

• The History & Evolution: Trace the origins of Peking Opera from its regional roots to its status as a national treasure.

• The Role of the Audience: Learn how to “read” the stage—understanding how a simple whip represents a horse, or a few steps signify a thousand miles.

• The Schools & Styles: Discover the distinct vocal and performance schools (such as the Mei Lanfang school) that have shaped the tradition.

• The Art of the Mask: Decode the colors of the painted faces (Lianpu) and what they reveal about a character’s personality and fate-1.

• The Training: Gain insight into the grueling physical and vocal training that performers undergo from a young age.