Bian Lian (simplified Chinese: 变脸; traditional Chinese: 變臉; pinyin: Biàn Liǎn; literally "Face-Changing") is an ancient Chinese dramatic art that is part of the more general Sichuan opera. Performers wear brightly colored costumes and move to quick, dramatic music. They also wear vividly colored masks, which they change within a fraction of a second.
Well, we had to see it for ourselves. We went to a local restaurant for some very spicy Sichuan food and this quick little demonstration of the opera. Nothing fancy, just a man and a women waving their fan and cape to reveal a new mask. I was amused at their style and a few of their masks. One was a panda and another was Spiderman. Okay...not traditional mask. The male changed his mask at least 10 times (I forgot to count) but the female only about 5 times. It was funny to see a women do it since I read prior to going that it is a secret handed down only to men. It said only one women has been taught the secret. Maybe this was her? The music was deafening as you will hear if you click on the picture above to open the video in YouTube. Or copy and paste the link below .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULe2qql5kTk
They were right about not being able to see how it is done. They cover their faces with each change until they get down to their own face. Fun to watch but I would like to see the real opera. The faces are part of the story line.
Below is a dish I loved. It was crispy rice noodles that they poured a sauce over just before you eat it or it gets soggy. It was yummy!
So that is it. Our trip to see the face changing dance. We won't forget it, and neither will John's stomach!
We have so much going on in our lives here. Life is getting busy which is a good thing. Still, we miss you all. We are coming back in December for 2 months and are looking forward to seeing all our friends and family. Our daily expressions are with those who are suffering from sickness, and those who have lost a loved one. May you have peace.
Love and hugs...Cindy