The Jing is a role type in Chinese opera for "rough" or "mighty" male characters.[citation needed] In many genres (such as Peking opera and Cantonese opera), this role requires heavy face painting. As a result, it is also known as Hualian ("Painted face"). However, not all characters with painted faces fall into this category,[1] with Chou (clowns) being another major painted-face role type.[2]
This type of role will entail a forceful character, so a Jing actor must have a strong voice and be able to exaggerate gestures.[3] Depending on the repertoire of the particular troupe, he will play either primary or secondary roles.[4] The colour and face design represents the identity and personality of the character.[1]
^Ah Wen. "Face Designs in Chinese Opera". Chinese Literature (July 1963): 95–99.
^Ward, Barbara E. (1979). "Not Merely Players: Drama, Art and Ritual in Traditional China". Man. New Series. 14 (1): 18–39. doi:10.2307/2801638. JSTOR2801638.
^Wichmann, Elizabeth. Listening to Theatre: The Aural Dimension of Beijing Opera. University of Hawaii Press. p. 12.
