Asian theatre comprises India, China, and Japan, each bringing their own uniqueness to the art form. This chapter will focus on Chinese theatre. Ancient Chinese chronicles mention various theatrical activities, including skits, pantomimes, juggling, singing, and dancing, indicating the existence of early Chinese versions of popular entertainment.
During the Yuan Dynasty, China was ruled by a Mongol, not a Chinese emperor. There was an outbreak of drama during this time, with Yuan drama typically being written in four acts. The leading character usually sang all of the music in each act, and the poetic content was considered the central factor in the success of these plays.
One of the most famous plays that has survived from this period is The Romance of the Western Chamber by Wang Shifu. Additionally, by this point, both males and females were performing on stage. Chinese theatre in the Ming Dynasty, which came after the overthrow of the Mongols during the Yuan Dynasty, restored traditional social behavior. A Chinese emperor was also restored to the throne during this time.
Dramatists reverted to writing only for the elite, and theaters lost contact with the broad public. Lute Song” by Gao Ming was the best-known play of this time. It dealt with questions of family loyalty, particularly a husband leaving his wife abandoned. Beijing Opera was formed from elements of folk theater and other genres popular among ordinary people. Originally called Peking Opera, it was known to Westerners as Peking for many years.
It is not like the grand opera of the West. It combines music, theater, dance, and even acrobatics. The theater arrangement for these operas is like a modern dinner theater. The audience has dinner and drinks as the performance goes on. The costumes and makeup are also very symbolic. Chinese theatre has its own uniqueness.
Although other areas of theatre have used makeup and costume symbolically, Chinese theatre symbolism is exaggerated more. The bright costumes and lavish makeup tell a story about these characters, not only their emotions. The colors and patterns of makeup signal to the audience what kind of character the performer is playing.
