It may, however, be noted that the " king-diau " or Peking style ;is more sui-
table to male parts, while the music of Shen-si, which is slow and languid, is better
suited to female parts.
24




Quelques musiciens chinois



Chinese musicians




Un jeune guemer



Young ^varrior



WINGS — GREENROOM — DISCIPLINE — SUPERSTITIONS

The wings and greenroom of a Chinese theatre are only separated from the stage
by a thin wall and the public is strictly forbidden to visit this part of the building
without a special permit.
The stage door leads straight into the large greenroom, which is filled with tables,
boxes, wooden swords and spears, flags and other " props ". The walls are
covered with masks, wigs, false beards, hats and costumes of different patterns and
periods.
In the centre of the room, near the windows, is a large table covered with
boxes of greasepaint, mirrors and paintbrushes. It is here that the actors make up.
During the show this room is a busy place. All the actors are united here. Some,
fully dressed, stand ready to go on; or walk backwards and for wards patiently
awaiting their turn. Others who have finished for the evening come off, remove their
make-up and undress. Others again are making up for female parts, or are
painting their faces as warriors or traitors, or for comic parts.
Nothing can be more fascinating than to watch the proceedings. First one sees
faces only half painted, figures from mythology dressed in everyday clothes, extraor-
dinary beings with womens' heads and hair, but dressed as men.
Gradually the faces disappear under coats of paint, and the original sex is com-
pletely disguised.
Here, where the whole company gathers together, the actors are subjected to
a very severe discipline.
