英语畅谈中国文化50主题 10（在线收听）

10.Beijing Opera Facial Masks

Beijing Opera is the cream of the Chinese culture. As such it has become a must-see item to entertain foreigners. But I don’t like its shrieking singing and noisy . I enjoy the costumes and facial masks better. As a traditional art form, Beijing Opera has problems and appealing to the days theatre goes. It is very slow and monotonous. Its costumes and facial masks are more attractive. It has real distinct Ming Dynasty influence on Beijing Opera costumes. They are colorful and majestic. Two long pieces of wide silk at the end of the sleeves create a graceful feeling during dancing. Different styles of costumes are used to reflect the status of different characters. There are more decorations in the costumes of nobles, while those of the poor tend to be simple and less elemental, as the same materials are used for all costumes to ensure the desired hierarchical presentation. Present-day designers are also borrowing from Beijing Opera for their work. Facial masks can reflect qualities of different characters. Facial masks using different colors are important ways to portray a character. There are hundreds of different facial mask designs and each character has its own design. For example, Guan Yu is a very well-known warrior. People believe he had a dark-red complexion. So his facial mask is painted red, because red is a color to represent loyalty and courage. As the folk thing goes, all red complexion guys are good guys. The facial mask of Song Dynasty Emperor Zhao Kuangyin depicts a dragon to show his imperial background. Another hero is Yang . There’s a tiger in his facial mask. The word ‘tiger’ is even written on the forehead to show that he is as courageous as tiger. So colors become an important expression. Yes, people can tell a hero from a villain by the colors of the masks. In general, white usually represents treachery, black represents righteousness, yellow represents bravery, blue and green represent rebellious fighters, while gold and silver represent divinity and Buddhism. I didn’t realize Beijing Opera facial mask is so complicated. Although I can’t stand its shrieking singing, I still like to go to a Beijing Opera show and listen to mp3 while enjoying the facial masks. Then you can have the best of both wealth.