Glossary
"The Legend of the White Snake" (白蛇传 báishé zhuàn)
A famous Peking Opera based on a classic Chinese folk tale about a snake spirit's love story.
Example:
Many students learn about Chinese folklore through stories like "The Legend of the White Snake."
"The Monkey King" (西游记 xīyóu jì)
A famous Peking Opera based on the classic Chinese novel 'Journey to the West,' featuring a mischievous monkey's adventures.
Example:
The character of Sun Wukong from "The Monkey King" is one of the most recognizable figures in Chinese mythology.
"The Palace of Eternal Youth" (长生殿 chángshēng diàn)
A famous Peking Opera about a prince's quest for immortality and a tragic love story.
Example:
The themes of love and immortality are explored beautifully in "The Palace of Eternal Youth."
"The Story of the Western Wing" (西厢记 xīxiāng jì)
A classic Chinese love story adapted into a famous Peking Opera.
Example:
For a romantic tale, one might watch "The Story of the Western Wing" performed as a Peking Opera.
Acrobatic Fight Scenes (武侠 wǔxiá)
Dynamic sequences in Peking Opera that showcase physical prowess and martial arts skills.
Example:
The acrobatic fight scenes in Peking Opera are breathtaking, with performers leaping and tumbling across the stage.
Black (黑 hēi) (in Peking Opera)
A symbolic color in Peking Opera makeup representing neutrality, roughness, and integrity.
Example:
A character with black face paint in Peking Opera is usually a straightforward and upright hero, even if a bit rough around the edges.
Blue (蓝 lán) (in Peking Opera)
A symbolic color in Peking Opera makeup representing neutrality, stubbornness, and loyalty.
Example:
The blue face of a Peking Opera character often signifies a steadfast and loyal, though perhaps unyielding, personality.
Bruce Lee (李小龙, Lǐ Xiǎolóng)
An iconic martial artist and actor who revolutionized martial arts cinema and popularized kung fu globally with films like 'Enter the Dragon'.
Example:
Bruce Lee's groundbreaking films introduced kung fu to a worldwide audience, making him a cultural legend.
Costumes and Makeup
Elaborate and symbolic attire and facial painting in Peking Opera that reflect character roles, personalities, and moral qualities.
Example:
The vibrant costumes and makeup of a Peking Opera performer are not just beautiful; they instantly tell you about the character's personality.
Dizi (笛子 dízi)
A traditional Chinese transverse flute, commonly used in Peking Opera.
Example:
The clear, high notes of the dizi can add a sense of lightness or urgency to a Peking Opera performance.
Erhu (二胡 èrhú)
A traditional Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument, commonly used in Peking Opera.
Example:
The haunting melodies of the erhu often set the mood for dramatic scenes in Peking Opera.
Fan Bingbing (范冰冰, Fàn Bīngbīng)
A highly successful and influential Chinese actress, recognized for her diverse roles and fashion presence.
Example:
Fan Bingbing is not only a talented actress but also a fashion icon in China, often seen at major international events.
Gestures and Movements
A distinct system of hand gestures and body language used in Peking Opera to convey character, emotion, and narrative.
Example:
A subtle hand gesture and movement in Peking Opera can tell the audience if a character is shy or defiant.
Green (绿 lǜ) (in Peking Opera)
A symbolic color in Peking Opera makeup representing violence, impulsiveness, and sometimes chivalry.
Example:
A character with green makeup in Peking Opera might be a hot-headed warrior, ready for a fight.
Jackie Chan (成龙, Chéng Lóng)
A renowned Chinese actor known for his acrobatic fighting style, innovative stunts, and comedic timing in films.
Example:
Jackie Chan often performs his own incredible stunts, making his action movies uniquely exciting and humorous.
Jet Li (李连杰, Lǐ Liánjié)
A renowned martial artist and actor, famous for his roles in martial arts films like 'Hero' and 'Lethal Weapon 4'.
Example:
Jet Li is celebrated for his authentic martial arts skills displayed in his action films, inspiring many aspiring martial artists.
Peking Opera (京剧 jīngjù)
A traditional Chinese theater art form that integrates music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics.
Example:
Watching a vibrant Peking Opera performance is like experiencing a living piece of Chinese history, with its elaborate costumes and dramatic storytelling.
Pipa (琵琶 pípá)
A traditional Chinese four-stringed plucked musical instrument, commonly used in Peking Opera.
Example:
The rapid plucking of the pipa can create exciting rhythmic patterns during fight scenes in Peking Opera.
Qing Dynasty (清朝 qīngcháo)
The last imperial dynasty of China, during which Peking Opera emerged in the late 18th century.
Example:
Many traditional Chinese art forms, including intricate porcelain, reached their peak during the Qing Dynasty.
Red (红 hóng) (in Peking Opera)
A symbolic color in Peking Opera makeup representing bravery and good fortune.
Example:
When you see a character with red makeup in Peking Opera, you know they are a courageous and heroic figure.
Vocalization
The use of varied pitches and tones in Peking Opera singing and speaking to express meaning and emotion.
Example:
The intricate vocalization in Peking Opera can convey a character's deep sorrow or fierce determination without needing many words.
White (白 bái) (in Peking Opera)
A symbolic color in Peking Opera makeup representing malevolence and trickery.
Example:
If you see a character with a lot of white on their face in Peking Opera, be wary – they might be a villain!
Yang Ban Xi (秧板戏 yāngbǎnxì)
The initial name for Peking Opera, referring to its early form as a variety show before it developed into a sophisticated art form.
Example:
Before it became the grand spectacle we know today, Yang Ban Xi was a simpler form of entertainment.
Yang Mi (杨幂, Yáng Mì)
A popular Chinese actress and singer, influential in both Chinese and broader Asian entertainment industries.
Example:
Yang Mi has a massive following across Asia due to her diverse acting roles and successful singing career.
Yellow (黄 huáng) (in Peking Opera)
A symbolic color in Peking Opera makeup representing cruelty and hypocrisy.
Example:
The yellow face paint on a character in Peking Opera often signals a cunning and untrustworthy individual.
Zhang Ziyi (章子怡, Zhāng Zǐyí)
A popular Chinese actress known for her roles in internationally acclaimed films such as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' and 'Memoirs of a Geisha'.
Example:
Zhang Ziyi captivated global audiences with her powerful performance in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.
Zhou Xun (周迅, Zhōu Xùn)
A talented Chinese actress and singer known for her versatile roles in films such as 'The Flowers of War'.
Example:
Zhou Xun is praised for her ability to portray a wide range of complex characters on screen, from historical figures to modern women.