Chinese opera, together with Greece tragic-comedy and Indian Sanskrit Opera, (be) among the oldest dramatic art forms in the world. During the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), the Emperor Taizong established opera school with the poetic name Liyuan. Since the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), it has been encouraged by court officials and emperors and (become) a traditional art form. During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), it became (increasing) fashionable among ordinary people. Performances were watched in tearooms, restaurants, and even around makeshift stages. Over centuries, Chinese opera has evolved into many different regional varieties (base) on local traits and accents. Today, there are over 300 outstanding regional opera styles, among Beijing Opera is the best-known Chinese opera style.
appeals to foreigners most may be the different styles of facial make-up, which is one of the highlights and requires distinctive techniques of painting. Exaggerated (夸张的) designs are painted on each performer's face (symbolize) a character's personality, role, and fate. Audiences who are familiar with opera can know the story by (observe) the facial painting as well as the costumes. Generally, a red face represents (faithful) and bravery; a black face, courage; yellow and white faces, dishonesty; and golden and silver faces, mystery.
