Traditional Chinese opera has a long history, broad and profound, the most representative of which are the five major professions: Sheng, Dan, Pure, Ending, and Ugly. These five professions correspond to different character types and performance styles, and together constitute the rich and colorful art world of Chinese opera.
Shengxing is a kind of profession that plays a male role, covering all kinds of male characters from youth to old age, from weak scholars to heroic generals. Among them, the old students usually play the role of older men, such as fathers, grandfathers, etc., and mainly perform calmly and heavily;Xiaosheng plays the role of young men, such as young talents, scholars, etc., focusing on showing youthful vitality and handsome chic;Wu Sheng plays male characters who are good at martial arts, such as military generals and chivalrous warriors, and is known for his vigorous skills and wonderful martial arts performances.
Danxing is the profession of playing female roles, including female characters of all ages and personality types, from girls to older women. Dan Xing's performance style is delicate and graceful, focusing on showing the softness and tenacity of women. Among them, Lao Dan usually plays the role of older women, such as mother, grandmother, etc., and the performance style is calm and generous;Xiao Dan plays young female roles, such as girls, palace maids, etc., with fresh and lively performancesTsing Yi plays a dignified and stable female role, such as a noblewoman, a queen, etc., with a noble and elegant performance styleHua Dan plays lively and lovely female characters, such as fairies and goblins, and is known for her smart and playful performances.
Jingxing is commonly known as flower face, also known as flower face, and usually plays a male role. Jingxing's characters have a distinct image and outstanding personality, including heroes and heroes on the front and traitors and bullies on the back. Their faces are painted with various colors of pigment to highlight their special character and image. Jingxing's performance style is rough and bold, focusing on showing the momentum and strength of the character.
The last row plays a middle-aged man or above, most of whom have beards. Their image is usually more stable and mature, with both positive loyal and good generals, and negative treacherous villains. The last line's performance style is introverted and deep, focusing on showing the inner world and emotional changes of the characters.
Ugly behavior is also called small flower face and three-flower face, including Wen Chou and Wu Chou. They usually play comedic characters like clowns, harlequins, etc. The performance style of Ugly Walk is humorous and funny, focusing on eliciting laughter from the audience through exaggerated movements and language. Their presence adds a light-hearted atmosphere to the opera performances.
In general, Shengdan Jingmo Chou is one of the five major professions in traditional Chinese opera, each with its own unique character type and performance style. The existence of these professions has enriched the connotation and extension of the art of opera, making Chinese opera unique in the world. At the same time, these professions also provide a broad space for Chinese opera performers to perform and develop opportunities, so that they can fully display their talents and charm.