Sichuan Opera

So, today was my vacation. I did very little. I got up, ate, blogged, picasaed, and tried to sort out accommodation in Zhengzhou, which proved difficult and expensive. It is not a backpacker friendly city. Actually, I am burning through funds far beyond what I expected, but I guess when I think about it it makes sense. I have been doing a lot of travelling and paying to get into expensive things. After Zhengzhou that should ease up a bit... I hope. Either way, at least I am still within my budget. That is the beauty of not having one, you are always with its boundless limits.

Anyways. So, I was getting frustrated at not being able to find accommodation in Zhengzhou so I gave in and booked a hotel room. By that time it was nearly 7 pm. Since my whole day had vanished in various errands I wanted to see if I could go to the Sichuan Opera. The issue was that it was 7 pm and that 7 pm was probably too late.

I went to reception and asked. The trip for the Opera left at 7:15 pm. I booked my a VIP Ticket and returned at 7:15. Three of us went in a van and were taken to the Opera. By VIP they meant VIP. We were given seats in the first row, and in front of our seats there was a small table with tea and peanuts on it.

We were still early so we were able to walk around and look at the Opera Hall. There were lots of costumes on display and we even walked into the dressing room. All of the actors were there putting on their makeup and getting ready for the show. Continuing on our way we were in a set of shops. There they sold paintings, pottery, tea stuff, and something I had never seen before but thought was exquisite. We found Purple Jade. I would have purchased something none of the carvings caught my eye. The workmanship was incredible, as was the material. Purple Jade is Jadeite that has formed in layers with other colours of Jadeite. It is amazing to see the layers and the mingling of all of the different colours.

After we were done in the shops it was time for the show to begin.

We sat down, drank tea, ate the nuts, and enjoyed ourselves.

There was some Opera, Musical Solos, Puppetry, Shadow Puppets, Mask Changers, and Fire Breathers. All of it was incredible. I have photos of some of it, and the things that could not be expressed in photos I took video of. It seemed that all performers were Masters in their art. The Musicians used classical Chinese instruments and played them perfectly. I have never seen such Puppetry as tonight. The puppet was dancing, and grabbing things, and throwing things, and catching them again, and wow.

The Shadow Puppets were my favourite part of the show. I have most of the performance recorded, but I missed the beginning. I was expecting some regular shadows, but what I saw was the transformation of hands into scenes of nature silhouetted by the moon. He would start always the same, with his hands apart and showing five fingers on each... then they would blend together in fluid motions like he was washing them with invisible water. At once a shape would appear and we would be in awe. Then the shape would move and live and breath and be as alive as you or I. We saw birds flying, sitting, kissing and fighting. We saw a dog shaking his ears, and dangling his tongue out of his mouth. There were many more, like a spider, an owl, a horse, rabbits, and his grand finale of a dog eating a rabbit. R Rated and fantastic.

There was another Operatic performance and then the show with Mask Changers. I have never seen anything like that before, but right before your eyes you could watch their mask change, and even their entire outfit. This was all done with fire breathing tossed in to spice it up.

I thought I would not get to go to the Opera because I have been so busy, but I made it and it was worth every penny.

We came home again where I was able to have supper before the restaurant closed. Now I am writing this post. Soon I will be walking to the Bank to refill my coffers. Then I will hopefully get a chance to investigate how my infected toenail is coming along.

Tomorrow morning brings new horizons. Down to Chongqing and then onto a boat. I am glad I get sea legs quickly because if the water is rough getting those legs could be quite painful.

Time to go to the Bank. Here's to not getting mugged.