Face-Changing in Sichuan Opera
1 min readAs a well-known local opera mainly prevailing in Southwestern China, Sichuan Opera is characterized by its unique solos, refined acting, rich percussion and talented comedians.
To portray special characters, the opera incorporates a series of stunts, including the famous “face-changing”. In Chinese operas, facial make-up is usually painted, but in Sichuan opera, the performer can change his or her facial make-up in the snap of a finger right on stage. Face-changing is one of the most fascinating, artistic charms of Sichuan Opera. It is also a special technique used to exaggerate the inner feelings of characters, portray their dispositions, and improve the effects. Facial changes are mostly done in four ways. The first method is “blowing dust”.
The actor blows colorful dust hidden in his palm or some special vessel such as wine cup used by the character. The second way is “manipulating beard”. Beard colors can be changed when the beard is being manipulated, from black to gray and finally to white, expressing anger or excitement. The third technique is“pulling-down masks”. The actor can pull down a mask that was previously hidden on top of his head and which leaves his face red, green, blue, or black, to demonstrate happiness, hate, anger, or sadness respectively. The fourth method is “mopping face”.
The actor mops out the greasepaint, which was previously hidden in his sideburns or eyebrows, or around his eyes and nose, thereby changing his facial appearance.
