If it turns out that a student does not have the talent for a primary role, there are numerous secondary or tertiary roles, and supporting cast positions, as well as musicians. Nowadays students also take in academic studies as well. Students are taught in the styles of specific performers, such as Mei, Cheng, Ma, and Qi. Initially training is in acrobatics, and singing, and gestures. These schools were all closed down in 1931, and opened again in 1952. Later, after 1911, there were more formal schools where students worked hard from early morning till late at their acting and combat skills, and endured beatings for failure. Traditionally children were selected by a teacher at a very tender age, and trained with them for seven years, during which time the teacher provided for all of the student’s needs – a debt that would later be repaid through performance earnings. When you get to see the actors performing their art in Peking Opera, it is worth remembering that it is not at all easy to become an opera star. There are, of course, many places in Beijing where you can enjoy a show. When you are visiting China, it makes sense to discover the very essence of this fascinating culture as revealed in the art of Peking Opera.

China peking opera theater