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Cover of Beijing Opera Costumes

Beijing Opera Costumes

by Alexandra B Bonds

Book Details

Publisher:Routledge
Published:2019-01-17
Pages:632
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Beijing Opera Costumes: The Visual Communication of Character and Culture illuminates the links between theatrical attire and social customs and aesthetics of China, covering both the theory and practice of stage dress. Distinguishing attributes include an introduction to the performance style, the delineation of the costume conventions, an analysis of the costumes through their historical precedents and theatrical modifications, and the use of garment shape, color, and embroidery for symbolic e

Our Review

This comprehensive guide to Beijing opera costuming offers an immersive journey into one of China's most visually stunning performance traditions, examining how theatrical attire communicates character, status, and cultural values through meticulous design elements. Alexandra Bonds expertly bridges theory and practice, exploring everything from historical precedents to the symbolic language embedded in garment shapes, colors, and embroidery patterns that transform performers into living symbols.

What sets this work apart is its dual focus on cultural context and practical application, making it invaluable for theater practitioners, costume designers, and anyone fascinated by how clothing tells stories beyond words. The analysis of how social customs and aesthetics translate into stage dress provides profound insights into Chinese visual communication, offering readers not just knowledge about costumes but a deeper understanding of cultural expression through performance art.

Themes

Performing Arts

Subjects

Performing Arts