Chinese Opera

Chinese opera exists in many forms including the popular Nuo opera that is a Chinese native religious dance and opera ritual performed in provincial villages in Southern China since antiquity, characterized by ferocious masks, unique dresses, adornments, a unique language, and mysterious scenes and includes singing, dancing and performers wearing masks and costumes. With origins in spirit and ancestor worship and Taoism, Nuo is performed to exorcise malevolent spirits, presents religious and cultural values and explores ancient origins, the world of the gods and spirits, historical legends, folktales and celebrated stories from popular literature. Nuo masks indicate the nature, temperament and manner of specific gods enhanced by distinctive gestures, with gods of the same category sharing common features. Masks are viewed as family protectors and Nuo masks or statues are often placed in homes to repel devils, disease and misfortune and attract blessings and luck.

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