More than face-changing, Sichuan opera proves a hit with UK audiences

( chinadaily.com.cn ) Updated: 2016-02-15 21:49

An evil spirit in The Legend of the White Snake performs face-changing in Trafalgar Square, London, Feb 14, 2016. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Face-changing was demonstrated by an evil-spirit male character, while dancing, singing, kung fu and acrobatics were also used.

Face-changing is a closely-kept secret movement where a character, by quick manipulation of a mask, literally changes the face they show to the audience in a split-second.

On Saturday, the troupe dropped in to the Museum of London Docklands, offering visitors, most of whom were children, a close-up look at the opera and first-hand experience on how to be a star on a stage through a workshop.

From simple steps and gestures, to how to tell different characters apart by costume and makeup, director Shen gave the audience a clear walkthrough, demonstrating by herself and with her troupe.

The museum audience was then treated to a comic turn entitle A Roller with Oil Lamp on Head, a highly skilled performance played by a clown, who has a lighted oil-lamp on his head and rolls like an acrobat.