Whip is one of the most representative props in Beijing Opera. It not only represents the horse, but also gives the audience a real feeling of riding through the actor's performance skills. This virtual performance technology enables the audience to feel the galloping of horses and the movements of characters on horseback.
In China's traditional opera performance, the actors waved with whips, and their bodies rolled up and down, vividly showing the galloping of horses and the bumpy feeling of characters on horseback. This performance technique not only overcomes the limitations of the stage, but also shows the professional skills and artistic talents of the actors.
Whip has many functions and forms in traditional Chinese opera performance. On the one hand, the whip can whip the horse on behalf of the whip, and the actor creates a scene of galloping through the waving action of the whip, so that the audience can feel the strength and speed of the horse.
On the other hand, a whip can also be used instead of a horse, that is, the actor holds the whip and expresses the image of the horse through the action of the whip, and expresses the bumpy feeling of the characters on the horse through the waving of the whip and the ups and downs of the body. This comprehensive performance with whip makes the audience feel the existence of horses and the scene of the characters riding on horses more comprehensively.
The color of whip also has certain symbolic significance in the performance of China traditional opera. Generally speaking, the color of whip is mainly black, but the color of whip handle may be different according to different dynasties and status. In the drama of Qing dynasty, the lighter the whip handle, the higher the status.
Through the use of whip and the performance skills of actors in traditional Chinese opera performances, the audience can feel the shock of galloping horses and the movements of characters on horseback. This virtual performance technique not only broke through the stage restrictions, but also showed the professional skills and artistic talents of the actors, bringing a wonderful opera performance to the audience.
The skill of using whip is very important, and actors need to learn how to use whip to express the characteristics and posture of horses. For example, contemporary actors will simulate the running, jumping and rolling of horses through whipping and shaking in circus performances.