Question

What is Beijing Opera and where did it originate?

Answer 1

Beijing opera was established during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) when troupes from central China such as Anhui came to (then) Peking for the emperor Qian Lung's (1736-1795) 70th and 80th birthdays...by 1810, the style dominated Chinese Drama. Originally, Beijing Opera was performed mostly on open-air stages in markets, streets, teahouses or temple courtyards. The orchestra had to play loudly and the performers had to develop a piercing style of singing, in order to be heard over the crowds. Beijing opera is a unique type of dramatic narrative, that weaves together music, movement, and dialogue to unfold beautiful and moving stories drawn from Chinese history, biograph, folk legend, literature.

Answer 2

The Beijing Opera, also called the Pecking Opera, is one of the most famous and influencial operas in China. It's year of origin is 1790, and originally for the 18th birthday of an ancient Chinese Emperor.

When it started, it was only for royalty and court, but gradually introduced to the public. The Pecking Opera has 2 main tunes or melodies, for lack of the better word. These 2 tunes sound almost exactly the same as the Han Opera, another famous, an even older Opera. That is why the Han opera is commonly called: "The mother of the Pecking Opera."

Obviously, the Pecking Opera originates from China.

There are many roles in this Opera. The main one is the Sheng. The Dan is any female in the Opera, characterized with makeup and sometimes masks. Some other smaller roles include: The Chou, an ugly clown that drives away evil spirits, and the Jing, who talks with a strong voice and exaggerates his gestures to fit the tone or mood of the Opera.