Chinese Traditional Sichuan Opera

A performer waits backstage for the start of a Sichuan Opera show at the Jingjiang Theatre in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province May 25, 2007. Sichuan Opera, which is distinguished by the face-changing technique where performers change masks in quick succession with a wave of the hand or by turning around, is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera.

A performer wears his costume before a Sichuan Opera show at the Jingjiang Theatre in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province May 25, 2007. Sichuan Opera, which is distinguished by the face-changing technique where performers change masks in quick succession with a wave of the hand or by turning around, is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera.

A performer puts on make-up prior to a Sichuan Opera show at the Jingjiang Theatre in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province May 25, 2007. Sichuan Opera, which is distinguished by the face-changing technique where performers change masks in quick succession with a wave of the hand or by turning around, is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera.

Actors perform during a Sichuan Opera show at the Jingjiang Theatre in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province May 25, 2007. Sichuan Opera, which is distinguished by the face-changing technique where performers change masks in quick succession with a wave of the hand or by turning around, is one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera.