For centuries opera companies have mesmerized audiences with their elaborately costumed and made-up characters and the pageantry of their productions. Among the several hundred regional companies in China today, the best known are the Peking, the Cantonese, and Shanghai's Yue Operas, which are featured in this photographic book. Jessica Tan Gudnason's stunning portraits look more like painted sculptures than photographs. Her images were taken over a ten-year period during which she frequented opera productions, capturing actors in all stages of preparation for roles or fully dressed for a performance. Her images range from gorgeously costumed and heavily made-up leading players to children dressing for supporting roles. Gudnason's aim is to recreate the excitement, emotion, sound, color, and movement of the actors backstage from an insider's view.
Supplementing the photographs is an insightful text by actress Gong Li as she comments on these powerful photographs and their significance as well as provides information about Chinese opera companies. This unique book is ideal for collectors of exceptional photography and for anyone who loves opera, music, and theater.