Sichuan Opera

  China has an abundance of 1,300 local operas,Sichuan opera is one of the China1s oldest local operas and is popular in Sichuan province and some regions of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. It is the most significant and most interesting opera form from Southwestern China.As a stage entertain-ment,it conveys the idea of time and space to the audience through performances. the opera is characterized by its unique solo singing,refined acting,rich percussion and irresistibly funny come-dians,Sichuan opera also displays its unique skills: the changing faces, spitting fire, and rolling light. Numerous Sichuan opera troupes are active throughout the province, both in the countryside and in the cities.the troupes in Chengdu are rate artistically top level.

Face Changes

  Face changing is the essence and highlight of Sichuan Opera. It is a kind of stunt which involves the on-stage change of mask or facial makeup, via masks or facial painting, without the audience noticing. It is amazing that, with a magical sweep of a hand, the actors can change their masks successively in an incredibly short time. Face changes first appeared 300 years ago. Initially the opera masters changed their face during a performance by blowing into a bowl of red, black or gold powder, which immediately stuck to their oiled skiny. By the 1920s, actors began to use layers of masks made of oiled paper. During the performance, actors would peel off one after another in a very short time. Now, the masters use painted silk masks, which can be worn in layers. No matter how closely you watch, you don’t see the mask being changed.

　The face changing, or "bianlian" in Chinese,is an important intangible cultural heritage in China. only a few masters have grasped this skill. they know how to change Sichuan opera masks in magically quick succession.As they flourish their arms and twist their heads, their painted masks change again and again and again.

　Face changing got its start 300 years ago. At the beginning opera masters changed the color of their face during performances by blowing into a bowl of red,black or gold powder. the powder would adhere to their oiled skin quickly. In another method ,actors would smear their faces with colored paste concealed in the palms of their hands.

　By the 1920`s,opera masters began using layers of masks made of oiled paper or dried pig bladder. the masters could peel one after another in the blink of an eye.At present the masters use the full face,painted silk mask. they can be worn in layers, as much as two-dozen thick,and be pulled off one by one.