face-changing show

face-changing show

Face changing is an ancient Chinese dramatic art. Performers wear brightly colored costumes and move to quick, dramatic music. Their faces are vividly colored, for they are wearing masks. However, within a fraction of a second, their masks change, revealing completely new and vibrant visages.

Face changing is the most amazing stunt in Sichuan Opera. A performer in a black cap and black mantle flourishes his arm and twists his head, and his face changes into a horrible black face. He turns around, and in the blink of an eye, a frivolous white face emerges. He turns around yet again, and a splendidly colored face suddenly appears!

Face changing first appeared in Sichuan Opera during the reign of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795). The changing of types of facial painting and colors reflect a character's mood - red representing anger and black extreme fury - just as in fairy tales.

Face changing was first used in a story about a hero who stole from the rich to help the poor. When feudal officials caught him, he changed his face to puzzle them and escaped as a result.