Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Szechuan Opera

This clip is “Sichuan Opera” ~ which is not really opera at all! Traditionally performed in teahouses, it is kind of variety show with live band~ including a short play, singing, puppetry, tea pouring from a long spout, shadow figures, and the most incredible and famous “face changing”. (Holly marvels at this EVERY time and still can’t figure it out!! Can you? I know where they put it, but how?!;) Depending on which teahouse you go to, you will see variations on each of these performances depending on the local talent. Culture culture culture!




4 comments:

Dave S said...

[darth vader voice] Impressive.
[my voice] So are you learning to do all this to show us when you come back?
[my laugh] ;)

Martha Walton said...

Did anyone see the talent show that was on (I think) last summer? "America's Got Talent" or something like that. One act was a lady who would walk into a wall of flags and just as quickly walked out with a whole new outfit. Some we figured out how it was done, but not all. She certainly wasn't as fast as the masks. That was kind of freaky! Derek, no food in this video! You're slipping! I'm starting to get hungry now and no appetite-curbing viewing for me! (I saw your little comment in the newsletter - very funny! Too bad the b/w copied image didn't do the sight of the dish justice!)

RoaringLambs said...

I have heard about that before - but have never seen it. As for the face changing, I think only 100 people in the world can do it and know how to - it is a very closely guarded secret.

Fancy Nancy said...

I love it! I want to see one when I get out there!

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