• Chinese/Japanese: 京劇 (Jīngjù / Kyougeki)

Jingju, also known as Beijing opera or Peking opera, is perhaps the most prominent form of traditional Chinese theatre. Developing out of an amalgamation of earlier theatre styles, including especially traditions from Anhui province, the origins of jingju are traditionally traced back to an occasion in 1790 when the Qianlong Emperor invited a number of troupes to perform at the Imperial Palace for his 80th birthday.

References

  • Gallery labels, "Beijing Opera Orchestra," Musical Instruments gallery, Metropolitan Museum.