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Female
Role : Dan
Picture
source: Hokkien Kong Huay XiangOpera Troupe
There
are many types of female roles in Chinese Opera as well. The
ching yi is the counterpart of xiao sheng. She is a virtuous
young woman and often plays the heroine with a tragic end.
Reowned for their graceful steps and delicate movements, the
hua dan is a lady who is often admired for her beauty and feminine
charm. In the performance, she could play the role of an empress,
a court lady or even a flirtatious courtesan. Examples
are characters like Bai Su Zhen and Xiaoqing in "Madam
White Snake" and Diao Chan in "Romance Of The Three
Kingdoms".
The
dao ma dan, gui men dan or unmarried young maiden and the lao
dan or elderly dignified lady are most interesting to watch.
They are female warriors who combine grace and acrobatics in
their fight for justice. In the past where women were not allowed
in public performances. All male troupes were common and female
roles were often played by male actors.
Picture
source: Hokkien Kong Huay XiangOpera Troupe |
The
da ma dan means horse and swords female. Being a female
warrior and skilled in fighting, horse riding and more
masculine accomplishments, da ma dans are often clad
in a pair of pants. Being in the military, she also
wears an |
| armour
and sometimes supports pennants similar to that of
the male wu sheng on her back. Being strong and vigorous,
the role of da ma dan calls for performers to be skilled
in gymnastics, wielding swords and lances. |
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Pictures
source: Hokkien Kong Huay XiangOpera Troupe
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The
ching yi ties her hair at the sides to signify her
youthfulness. Attractive and graceful, she is simply
clad in a tight fitting jacket worn over trousers.
Hua dan can be said as the most unforgetable female role. She captivates
the audience with her changing facial expressions and flaunts
her charms with grace.
Picture Source : Hokkien
Kong Huay XiangOpera Troupe |
The lao
dan is an elderly woman whose costume and hairstyle are always
simple. She wears a head band and carries a walking staff.
Most often, the lao dan would lament about her fate in a sad
sing-song manner. Being a supportive role, the lao dans may
not always be helpless victims. They can also be powerful matriarchs
and advisors to the ching yi. Performers for the role of lao
dan must prossess a voice that is powerful and varied as she
suggests dignity and pride as well as the sadness of old age.
Picture source:
Hokkien Kong Huay XiangOpera Troupe
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