Peking Opera is a difficult abstract art which synthesizes music, drama, dancing, and acrobatics along with very elaborate costumes and a minimum of props. It was not originally from Beijing. The reason why it’s called “Peking Opera” is Beijing was the place where this opera blossomed and where the modern opera was formed.
        As a representative of the quintessence of a country, Peking Opera has more than 200 years’ history. In 1790, there was a popular theatrical troupe called “Hui Ban” coming to Beijing. They performed in the birthday feast of the emperor. After that, more and more “Hui Ban” came to Beijing. They had a lot of opportunity to have performance for the emperor and the rich. They got a lot paid to help their performance such as face painting, clothing, and scenes for the stage. They also learned a lot from many kinds

of dramas so they flourished soon. At the beginning of 20 century, Peking Opera became the most influential type of drama.
        In 1900s, there were a lot of genres derived from Peking Opera. Each genre had many famous actors and actresses as representatives. They gave performance in many big cities such as Shanghai, Beijing. Peking Opera was in its second growing period. Recently, Peking Opera developed a lot. The government supported it as national drama and people from other countries had more and more chance to watched those operas in Beijing Changan Theater. Foreign people said Peking Opera was an important school of Chinese drama.

                                      Back