Roles from Chinese Opera

  Sheng (Male Role)

The sheng role includes a variety of character types, including scholars, ministers, and warriors. A beard indicates an older man with authority, while a face with no beard often signifies a young scholar. One prominent role is the wusheng, the martial sheng. His costume may include an elaborate gown, banners, and headdresses, indicating a general. Foot-soldiers may wear tighter-fitting pants and tunic, which allow for acrobatic marshal arts maneuvers on stage.

   Dan (female role)

Sample of dan aria: Mei Lanfang as
Han Yuniang in
Shengsi hen
"Husband and wife, separated for years
Like lone geese, have finally returned home.
But pity me, sold into slavery by thieves,
I've suffered through a lifetime of sorrows!"

 Although many of the female roles in Chinese opera are now played by women, traditionally they were the exclusive domain of men. The images above are all of Mei Lanfang, a famous male performer of dan roles. Female characters in Chinese opera often appear as paragons of grace and refinement, with flowing sleeves, slender waists, and submissive demeanors. However, Chinese opera also has its share of women warriors and evil she-demons.

 

    Jing (painted face)

"Trembling I respect your Majesty's command
I have come before the Meridian Gate of the Palace
Holding the royal robe, I enter the Dragon Court,
Before the throne, I meet my lord.
Your Majesty approved my plan
for the Nation to avoid shame.

Sample of jing aria

Fang Rongyi as Judge Bao in Beating the Dragon Robe

 

The lantern play performed before the palace
secretly moved my virtuous lord.
My gracious Master does not need to be afraid --
Understand your disciple's words.
Since antiquity, loyal ministers have not been afraid of death,
If I were afraid of death, how could I have served Your Majesty to this day?"

The jing role is the most prominent in Chinese opera. When a painted face character enters the stage, you know that he's the one to watch. Jing characters are often famous generals (black faces) or famous villains (white faces). Supernatural beings may appear with red faces, green, and multi-colored faces. The painted face, coupled with huge and elaborate martial garb, allows the jing role to dominate the stage.

Chou (the clown) 

Finally there's the chou, the clown who brings comic relief to the stage. His costume is simple, and his makeup consists of a white patch around his nose and eyes. While many of the characters of Chinese opera are elite ministers, emperors, and generals, the clown represents the unsophisticated wit of the hayseed commoner. He is also the only character who speaks in an earthy vernacular, in sharp contrast to the refined cadences of kings and ministers.

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