商务英语会话文摘

插图：


B: That means Beijing opera did not originate in Beijing.
A: No. But it got its recognition and development in Beijing.
B: Oh, I see.
A: It is a unique performing art that integrates singing, dialogue, acting and acrobatics. The characters of Beijingopera are divided into four groups. They are Sheng, Dan, Jing, and Chou.
B: What do all the characters mean respectively？
A: Sheng is the male role. Dan is the female role. Jing is the painted face and Chou is the clown. Their costume and make-up make you easily tell them. The patterns and colors on their 'painted' faces show different symbolic meanings.
B: Can you give me some examples？
A: For example, if red is the main color of the face, it stands for loyalty, blue for cruelty, yellow for cunning, and white for treachery.
B: It sounds interesting.
A: What is more interesting about Beijing opera is that there used to be no fe-male performers in the past and all the roles were played by males. Ofcourse, now things have changed, and there are both male and female per-formers in Beijing opera.
B: Would you please tell me something about Beijing opera's themes？
A: OK. The themes of Beijing opera mainly come from historical events, fic-tional tales, folk stories and classical literature. And many modern ones deal with the present reality.
B: It seems to me that Beijing opera is a colorful and diverse art.
A: Yes, it is. So you'd better enjoy more of Beijing opera later.
B: I will. Thank you very much.