Asia has a rich tradition of using colourful masks in its theatre, rituals and festivals. From China to Japan, Bhutan to Papua New Guinea, these spiritual and folkloric symbols characterise the rich identities and storytelling customs of the region’ s diverse cultures
Behind the
Mask
Asia has a rich tradition of using colourful masks in its theatre, rituals and festivals. From China to Japan, Bhutan to Papua New Guinea, these spiritual and folkloric symbols characterise the rich identities and storytelling customs of the region’ s diverse cultures
CHENGDU, CHINA
A performer enthrals audiences with traditional face-changing art, or bian lian, at the Chunxifang Chunxilu covered street. The ancient Chinese dramatic art is part of the more general Sichuan opera, originating in Sichuan province around 1700. Performers wear vividly coloured masks, typically depicting characters from the opera, which they change from one face to another with a deft swipe of a fan or brisk wave of the hand.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are five distinct opera styles, each with a different history. The most distinctive and representative form of Sichuan opera is Gaoqiang( 高 / 高), which is characterised by its free line and free singing style. The others are Kunqiang( 崑 / 昆), Huqin( 鬍 / 胡), Tanxi( 彈 / 弹), and Dengdiao( 燈 / 灯).
5