Face Changing

The magical Face Changing is one of the stunts of Sichuan Opera. It is used to reveal the changes of thoughts and emotions of figures in opera. It means that changing invisible and abstract emotions into visible and concrete images – facial mask.

Brief Introduction of Face Changing

Face Changing is a stunt of Sichuan Opera for role demonstration. It is a romantic method to reveal the thoughts and emotions.

It is said that Face Changing comes from the facial mask painted on face by our ancestors in order to scare wild animals away. The performers of Sichuan Opera bring Face Changing to the stage and make it an unique art with perfect skills.

Types of Face Changing

There are three types of Face Changing: Wiping Mask, Blowing Mask and Pulling Mask.

In the Wiping Mask routine, the performer applies cosmetic paint in a certain position on his face. If the whole face is to be changed, the cosmetic paint is applied to the forehead or eyebrows; for changes on the lower half of the face, paint is applied to his cheeks or nose; or to other specific parts. Xuxian, a character in "The Tale of the White Serpent", uses Wiping Mask.

The Blowing Mask routine works with powder cosmetics, such as gold, silver, and ink powders. Sometimes a tiny box is placed on the stage; the performer draws near and blows at the box. The powder will puff up and stick to the face. Sometimes the powder is put in a cup. The secret to success in this act is to close the eyes and mouth and to hold the breath. Zidu in "Catch Zidu Alive" uses Blowing Mask.

The Pulling Mask routine is the most complicated. Masks are painted on pieces of damask, well cut, hung with a silk thread, and lightly pasted to the face one by one. The silk thread is fastened in an inconspicuous part of the costume. With a flick of his cloak the performer magically whisks away the masks one by one as the drama continues. There 2 tips of Pulling Mask. The first one is not to put too much binder in order to avoid pulling all masks off once. The second one is quick motion. Performer needs to be quick enough to cover the pulling of the masks.

Face changing is a magical art. Performers change more than 10 masks in less than 20 seconds! By raising the hand, swinging a sleeve or tossing the head, a performer uses different masks to show different emotions, expressing invisible and intangible feelings through visible and tangible masks. From green to blue, red, yellow, brown, black, dark and gold, these masks show fear, tension, relaxation, slyness, desperation, outrage, and so on.

Sichuan Opera master Peng Denghuai changed 14 masks in 25 seconds, and reverted to four masks after revealing his true face. This was his latest Guinness World record, breaking his previous one.

Today hi-tech is used to enhance this traditional art. Lasers and twinkling lights add a touch of mystery. And modern faces like Spiderman are invited to the stage.