Beijing Opera

Peking opera
"Peking Opera" in Simplified (top) and Traditional (bottom) Chinese characters
Simplified Chinese	京剧
Traditional Chinese	京劇
Literal meaning	"Capital theatre"
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Jīngjù Wade–Giles Ching1-chü4 IPA [tɕíŋ.tɕŷ] Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization Gīng-kehk Jyutping Ging1-kek6 Southern Min Tâi-lô Kiann-kio̍k

Peking opera or Beijing opera (Chinese: 京剧; pinyin: Jīngjù) is a form of Chinese opera which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognized by the mid-19th century. The form was extremely popular in the Qing dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China. Major performance troupes are based in Beijing and Tianjin in the north, and Shanghai in the south. The art form is also preserved in Taiwan (Republic of China), where it is known as Guójù (traditional Chinese: 國劇; simplified Chinese: 国剧; literally: "National theatre"). It has also spread to other countries such as the United States and Japan.

Peking opera features four main types of performers. Performing troupes often have several of each variety, as well as numerous secondary and tertiary performers. With their elaborate and colorful costumes, performers are the only focal points on Peking opera's characteristically sparse stage. They use the skills of speech, song, dance, and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive, rather than realistic. Above all else, the skill of performers is evaluated according to the beauty of their movements. Performers also adhere to a variety of stylistic conventions that help audiences navigate the plot of the production. The layers of meaning within each movement must be expressed in time with music. The music of Peking opera can be divided into the Xipi (西皮) and Erhuang (二黄) styles. Melodies include arias, fixed-tune melodies, and percussion patterns. The repertoire of Peking opera includes over 1,400 works, which are based on Chinese history, folklore, and, increasingly, contemporary life.