Theaters in China have long been an integral part of their country’s cultural life. They offer a vibrant and entertaining show that incorporates acrobatics, dance and music.
About 100 years ago, professional theatre districts began to emerge in major cities. These often contained up to 50 playhouses.
Origins
Theater has its origins in China’s ritualistic acts performed by shamans. These ritualistic performances were said to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, ancient Chinese believed these performances were forms of entertainment and used them to commemorate successful harvests or achievements within their kingdoms.
China boasts several types of theater, but two popular forms are Xiqu (traditional drama) and opera. Both forms are distinguished by their high-quality music and elaborate sets, as well as a sophisticated language and acting technique.
Xiqu is one of China’s oldest forms of theatre, having been around for over one thousand years. It combines art, literature and drama in an artful performance onstage; its most renowned examples being guoju and yaoju – widely considered to be among the finest among all traditional plays.
During the Song dynasty, major cities established professional theater districts. Each district featured up to 17 playhouses and 50 smaller ones operated by a professional team of actors, musicians, and acrobats.
Opera is a form of theatrical performance derived from folk song-and-dance performances that gained widespread popularity in the south. Kunqu Opera, originated in Suzhou city in Jiangsu province and popular during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, was one such popular form.
These traditions gave birth to many different opera styles, such as Wuxi Opera and Shanghai Opera. Some of these operas still exist today.
Chinese theater has been increasingly influenced by Western culture in recent years, leading to an upsurge in popularity. For instance, in 2001 a Western musical production called Andrew Lloyd Webber – Masterpiece was brought to Beijing with performers from the UK, USA and Australia along with a 60-piece orchestra.
These theatrical performances are renowned for their vibrant displays of acting, acrobatics and dancing. You can catch them around the country during festivals and fairs as well as other major events.
Cinema was an integral part of Chinese cultural life before World War II, yet it suffered greatly due to international conflict and warfare during that period. After the Second World War however, cinema saw a rebirth and began to regain popularity in China – Noah Cowan from British Film Institute believes this revival occurred because artists and audiences were open to new ideas and perspectives.
Functions
Chinese theaters serve a range of purposes. Some are religious; others serve moral or political ones. They can also be utilized to showcase events and traditions from China’s past.
Theaters in China serve the primary purpose of entertainment. People enjoy watching a dramatic representation of their lives onstage, feeling transported into another realm for a brief moment and forgetting about their daily struggles. Chinese audiences appreciate theatrical performances as an escape from reality; consequently, theatres remain popular amongst all age groups and backgrounds.
Theaters in China serve a variety of functions, such as cultural preservation and social reform. These two topics often intersect in traditional Chinese theatre performances. Furthermore, the theatre was an essential vehicle for furthering government policies.
One of the primary functions of theaters in China is to educate its audience about Chinese culture, particularly traditional opera. UNESCO promotes these arts and professional troupes regularly perform them at various venues to inspire young people to become engaged with these important aspects of Chinese history.
Theaters in China provide an outlet for people to express their creativity. This can be achieved through the creation of new works of art or hosting performances by renowned performers.
Thirdly, this function is to raise public awareness of China’s cultural heritage. This can be accomplished through productions in English or other languages that depict significant aspects of Chinese history.
Finally, theaters in China provide a space for performers and audiences to exchange ideas. This has become especially significant during the 20th and 21st centuries when theatre has increasingly become more of a social and political activity than it did previously.
China boasts over 1,500 national Xiqu companies and thousands of independent theatre groups. These establishments operate in various ways, some registered with local governments and giving hundreds of performances each year. Some are small with only a few members; others offer an extensive range of genres.
Architecture
China has a long-standing tradition of theaters. These facilities serve as important forms of cultural exchange in China and have been modernized to meet the demands of an ever-expanding country. Characterized by soaring heights, captivating views, and dramatic architecture – these venues remain iconic landmarks today.
These facilities are designed to reflect their functions and the urban environment, offering an aesthetic space for residents in surrounding areas. Furthermore, these buildings provide venues for public performances and activities.
Chinese cities often feature grand theaters. These can be found in the city center, high-density areas or landscaped parks and can host various functions like drama performances, ballet and music concerts.
These venues tend to be large and can hold thousands of people. They can either be modern buildings or historic structures that have been converted into theatres.
Recently, China has seen a flurry of theater construction. Theaters are seen as emblems of modern China and an integral part of urban revitalization efforts.
These grand theaters have been designed by renowned architects from China and beyond, often known for their artistic and architectural talents.
Typically, these buildings are designed with Western architectural styles in mind and adhere to international standards. Generally speaking, these tall structures boast many large windows that bring the outdoors in.
They are often located in the city center, increasing densification and urban life for nearby neighborhoods. These buildings can be seen as extensions of urban planning projects that enhance quality of life for their inhabitants.
Recent years, theater construction has been spurred on by an unprecedented investment in urban planning and infrastructure. Such endeavors aim to boost a city’s economic development, attract more tourists and foreign direct investment, as well as enhance quality of life for local citizens.
The rapid expansion of these theaters demonstrates the government’s determination to promote urbanization and globalization. They also serve as a sign that they are optimistic about their economy and capacity for improving citizens’ living conditions.