Jinjiang Theater:Eight-Face Changing-Legendary Sichuan Opera – Southwestern China, China

EXPERIENCE

The performance focuses on the core aspects of Sichuan opera, respecting its traditional arts such as singing, recitation, movement, martial arts, and special skills like face-changing, fire breathing, and the stylized movements of the Sheng (male roles) and Dan (female roles) characters. By integrating acrobatics—such as magic tricks and shadow puppetry seen in market scenes, as well as other arts like balancing acts and aerial silk dance—and dance forms like group fan dance, the show enhances the artistic tension and visual impact of Sichuan opera. The multi-angle, multi-perspective approach intensifies the spectacle, making the performance engaging for audiences of all ages and helping to popularize the art of Sichuan opera.

The production is composed of multiple segments, including Sichuan opera excerpts such as “The Three Heroes Fight Lü Bu,” the lamp play “Rolling Lantern,” showcasing the unique characteristics of the Xiao Sheng (young male) and Xiao Dan (young female) roles, the beautiful “Red Plum Pavilion,” and “Beating the Pancake.” The story of “Legendary Face-Changing” follows a narrative thread that illustrates the development of the face-changing art form in Sichuan opera.

The story is set at “Sanqinghui” in Chengdu (the present-day location of Jinjiang Theater), one of the birthplaces of Sichuan opera. “Little Sanqing,” a dedicated opera student, diligently practices his craft, and his master decides to take him as a disciple. The beautiful “Little Huanhua” develops feelings for “Little Sanqing,” and the two fall in love. However, the powerful “Young Master Ma” forcefully takes “Little Huanhua” away and orders his men to burn “Little Sanqing’s” face with fire. “Little Sanqing” is left with no choice but to wear a mask and live in hiding, secretly honing his face-changing skills. In the end, he perfects the art of eight-face changing in one seamless performance, becoming a legendary master of the craft. After enduring many hardships, “Little Huanhua” finally finds “Little Sanqing,” and together they bring brilliance to the Sichuan opera stage. Their story encapsulates the century-long history of Sichuan opera performers.

Performance Program:
Sichuan Opera Excerpt: “The Three Heroes Fight Lü Bu”
Hand Shadow Art
Acrobatics: Umbrella Kicking
Sichuan Opera Specialty: Hidden Knife
Sichuan Opera Excerpt: “Releasing Pei”
Sichuan Opera Specialty: Fire Breathing
Sichuan Opera Specialty: Rolling Lantern
Acrobatics: Multi-Person Drum Kicking
Puppet Show: “The Beauty of Life”
Sichuan Opera Specialty: Face-Changing
Exclusive Skill: Eight-Face Changing
Sichuan Opera Specialty: Three Costume Changes
Traditional Fashion Show
Dance Performances: Water Sleeve Dance, Ghost Immortal Dance

HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the debut of the eight-face changing technique in Sichuan opera.
Enjoy a complimentary cup of traditional Sichuan Gaiwan tea during the show.
The performance is held at Jinjiang Theater, near Tianfu Square.
Follow “Little Sanqing” as he masters face-changing through adversity.
Discover a story set in one of Sichuan opera’s historic birthplaces.

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