Asian Heritage Month

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There is a lot that goes on backstage at a Beijing Opera.

According to North York resident Gee Chong Zung, a founding member of the Toronto Chinese Opera Group, the following information is part of the stage set and performance of Beijing or Peking Opera.

Backdrops: Props on stage are traditionally simple, abstract or symbolic.

Props: In most cases, a table and two or three chairs are the only things on stage. Occasionally, a table or a stack of tables symbolizes a hill, a ridge or a tall building.

Orchestra: The orchestra sits on the left-hand side of the stage.

Fighting scenes: The stage is clear of any props.

Actions and gestures: Gestures are also symbolic on the stage.

To open a door, an actor raises his hand, lifts his feet across the door opening.

To walk down the stairs, he raises his right hand and walks down step by step.

To ride a horse, one hand holds a whip and is moving.

Makeup: The process takes place backstage and is time-consuming. Specially trained personnel handle various types of costumes, supporting equipment, weapons and props. Actors and actresses spend hours in dressing rooms to paint their faces and do hair decorations. Costumes for various roles are made of materials with colourful and embroidered patterns.