Unlike European operas, which concentrate on usually one kind of performance in one stage representation, Peking Opera integrates music, singing, dance, costume art, makeup, acting and acrobatics into a unique whole.
Facial Make-up (Lianpu) in Peking Opera is mostly applied to the male roles of jing and chou, with particular styles to symbolize the different personalities, characteristics, and fates of the roles. Some people argue that the facial make-up is similar to the mask. Nevertheless, there are great differences between the two in that masks are separate from the face. Different make-up colors symbolize different personalities:
Red -- brave, faithful and wise men, with utter devotion
Purple -- wise, brave and steadfast men
Black – upright, outspoken, and never stooping to flattery
Blue -- brave, upright and outspoken men, but obstinate and unruly
Green -- hero of the bush, chivalrous but with a testy temper
Yellow -- valiant but ferocious military men or crafty civil officers
White – insidious and treacherous
Gold & silver -- mysterious monsters or gods
Peking Opera Costumes, mainly made of satin, crepe and silk and decorated with various meticulously embroidered patterns, tell a character’s sex and status at first glance, marking off people from all walks of life, noble or humble, civil or military. Accessories, including helmets and hats, constitute an integral part to bring about dramatic stage effects.
Peking Opera Basic Skills include dance movements and special acrobatic movements while singing or reciting, a necessary requirements mastered by all actors and actresses.
