Peking Opera in Beijing, China

Chinese opera arose in the late 18th century and became recognized by the mid 19th century. The Peking Theatre combined music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. The form was extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China. With their elaborate and colorful costumes, performers are the only focal points on Beijing opera's characteristically sparse stage. They utilize the skills of speech, song, dance and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive, rather than realistic. On a personal note: Pros -the costumes and the first thirty minutes were magical. Cons - the same music was played throughout (would have liked a variety of melodies) after two and a half hours it was hard not to doze off.