Also known as Beijing opera (pinyin: Jingjù) is the most predominant form of Chinese opera, which combines musical performances, mime, dance, vocals, acrobatics, and puppetry.
It developed and became widely accepted by the mid-19th century in Beijing, during the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). This form was extremely popular in the Qing court, and it has become regarded as one of China's cultural treasures. Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai are the major performance centers in China. Moreover, it has also reached other places such as the United States and Japan; it is also known as Guójù (National opera in Chinese).
Beijing opera is typically sung and recited in the Beijing dialect, and its librettos must comply with strict rules that value rhyme and form. The shows tell stories about history, politics, society, and everyday life and aspire to inform as well as entertain. Music plays a large role in setting the pace, creating a certain atmosphere, shaping the character, and guiding the narrative in Peking opera. String and wind instruments such as the thin, high-pitched jinghu and the flute dizi are hallmarks of civilian plays, while percussion instruments like the bangu or daluo are used in military plays.
It is typical for actors and actresses to follow established choreography for torso, gaze, hands, and feet movements in their performances. In addition, stage props are generally kept to a minimum. Characters' personalities and social identities are represented through flamboyant costumes and exaggerated facial make-up. The Peking opera is largely transmitted through master-student training, in which students learn basic skills through observation, imitation, and oral instruction. Beijing operas are widely recognized as an important part of the country's cultural heritage and are regarded as expressive of the aesthetic ideal of opera in traditional Chinese society.
However, the Shanghai Peking Opera Company needed to reach new audiences in order to survive in an increasingly open market. In an effort to accomplish this, they offer more and more public performances for free. Furthermore, a general shift has occurred in the creative attribution of Peking Opera works. Traditionally, the performer played a significant role in the writing and staging of Peking opera productions. Peking opera has recently shifted its focus to directors and playwrights, perhaps following the lead of the West. The performers have sought to innovate while listening to the new generation of Peking opera producers who are calling for reform. As of today, Chinese Opera productions, including Peking opera, are broadcast on CCTV-11 in mainland China.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/peking-opera-00418) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peking_opera)