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Years of research, including many staff trips, went into making the Take Me There:® China exhibit. In this blog series, you'll see how we were inspired by the people, places, and traditions of modern China as we recreated these top ten exhibit highlights. You'll also get a snapshot of what your family will experience in these extraordinary spaces—brought to you straight from our exhibit developers!
In the Arts section of Take Me There: China, you can go "backstage" at the Opera and explore the secrets behind Chinese opera costumes, makeup, and Biàn Liǎn mask-changing. Chinese opera is a popular form of drama and musical theater; it is also a traditional performance art that features music, stories, make-up, and costumes that look and sound uniquely Chinese.
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Find yourself “backstage” at the Guangzhou Opera. This immersive area includes a stage featuring real opera costumes that highlight the ornate and brightly colored characters that are the focus of Chinese opera stories. Opera costumes sized for both children and adults provide opportunity for dress-up and pretend play as you imagine taking the stage at Guangzhou!
Uncover the mysteries of mask-changing. Mask-changing, known as Biàn Liǎn, is a Chinese cultural treasure, its secrets tightly guarded by its performers! Watch a video showing the incredible speed and skill of Biàn Liǎn performers, then try mask-changing for yourself with a hydraulic-powered photo opportunity.
Other things to see and do:
- An interactive display of costumed dolls introduces several of the most famous characters from Chinese operas. Turning the wheel and rotate four characters into view as you learn about their roles in popular Chinese dramas.
- Apply virtual opera makeup to your own photo, transforming yourself into one of five famous opera characters, then email the photo to friends and family.
Catch up on all of the Take Me There: China Top 10, or read up on staff adventures in China in our Creative Director's blog series: "Ned's Excellent China Adventure," Part 1 and Part 2.
