Going onstage (www.esplanade.com).

Theatre

101 Guide to Chinese Opera: Part 1

The four main roles that you will find in Xiqu

Subjects

Subject: General, Drama

Stats

Level: Upper Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary


What are the four main roles in Xiqu?

Xiqu, or more commonly referred to as Chinese Opera, is a form of musical theatre that originates from China. A Xiqu performance is never dull. It is full of colourful characters singing and performing acrobatic martial arts stunts.

But what are the common roles you can find in a Xiqu performance? How do characters in these roles dress or sing? How do you tell a character playing a clown role from a character playing the role of a scholar? What does a female warrior wear? What about a young princess? Find out the answers to these questions and more in the student guide created specially for beginners to the art form.

Celebrate a meaningful Mid-Autumn at home

Moonfest Online

Experience the richness of traditional Chinese arts in the comfort of your homes, with the 16th edition of Esplanade's annual Moonfest – A Mid-Autumn Celebration.

25 Sep – 4 Oct
Free
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