Sichuan opera is one of over 300 regional
variations of Chinese opera.
Because the sets tend to be more minimalistic
compared to Western opera,
actors will exaggerate facial expressions and movements
to set the scene.
Here are some of the subtle ways
that Sichuan opera sets itself apart.
Actors are recruited by training academies when they’re young,
and they advance by age groups.
But it wasn’t always like this.
During the Mao era,
the government actively funded Chinese opera,
which mostly centered on themes of patriotism,
war, and hard work.
After China reformed its economy,
opera houses were forced to appeal to a new middle class
in order to be profitable.
And while the government has been reinvesting in the art form,
not every actor can make it work.
Salaries are often at or below minimum wage.
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thanks for watching our video.
If you are interested in more things about Chongqing
or Sichuan,
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