Peking Opera

The real highlight of our first day in Beijing was the Peking Opera...




Peking is the Cantonese name for Beijing, so really this is the Beijing Opera. The high voiced singing is only one characteristic of the Peking Opera, there was also elements of comedy and acrobatics. We really enjoyed the performance which was a sampling of famous stories from the Peking Opera rather than just one show... Here's a few photos to give you an idea..

Traditional Make-up (He applied it from scratch in front of the audience)

Same man, but check out his shoes!

After the Make-up was done, he (and a dresser) got into a traditional costume.. he here is in all his glory!

Guzheng - a Ancient Chinese Zither instrument
Very pretty - wanna hear what it's like - Track 9 - HERO soundtrack ;-) 

Traditional style, associated with the rich warrior class 

Actress is depicting a goddess going to listen and bless people praying to budda
(Think stereotypical high high Chinese opera and this is her)

The lady in white was looking for a herb to save her dying husband (after she drank too much, but we weren't able to piece that part together) but the herb was on a holy mountain and the peacocks and deer are fighting her as protectors of that holy mountain. They threw the red spears almost like a juggling act!