Wudan

The ''wudan'' () is a female role type in Chinese opera and a subtype of the ''dan''. ''Wudan'' characters are warrior maidens in combat, and ''wudan'' actors (almost always actresses) must be trained in martial arts with theatrical versions of traditional weapons, as well as in acrobatics and gymnastics.

The hair and makeup is similar to that of other young ''dan'' roles.

Subtypes

The ''wudan'' can be further divided into two subtypes, the ''duanda wudan'' and the ''daomadan''; the latter wears an "armor" on-stage.

''Duanda wudan''

The ''duanda wudan'' () is a female who fights independently of a horse or an army. It can be a female ''youxia'', like the heroine of '' Hongxian''; or a supernatural being who has transformed itself into a women, like Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing from the ''Legend of the White Snake''. In Peking opera, the ''zhan'ao zhanqun'' (; "martial shirt, martial skirt") costume is worn, which consists of a jacket, a skirt, and trousers; as are additional skirt flaps and flat ankle boots known as ''xiaomanxue'' (, "small barbarian boots").

''Daomadan''

The ''changkao wudan'' (), better known as the ''daomadan'' (), is a woman, often an army commander, who fights on horseback in battles. Popular ''daomadan'' characters include Mu Guiying from the ''Generals of the Yang Family'' and Hu Sanniang from the ''Water Margin''. In Peking opera, the ''daomadan'' wears a long "female armor" (, nükào), which is similar to that worn by their male counterparts but with flower and phoenix embroidery as well as multicolored streamers hanging from the waist. The armor is usually in red or pink. The armor restricts movement, so the ''daomadan'' is less acrobatic compared to the ''duanda wudan''. For more freedom a "reformed armor" (, găiliángkào), which lacks the four flags in the back and fits more closely to the body, can be worn. Her helmet is attached to two ''lingzi'' (long pheasant feathers). The commonly-used weapon is a long poled ''dao'' (blade) or '' qiang'' (spear).

Skills

In addition to singing, ''wudan'' actresses must also be trained in martial arts, gymnastics, and acrobatics, just like their male counterparts ('' wusheng''). A unique skill for the ''wudan'' actress is "kicking the spears" () which is unused in ''wusheng'' roles. In such a combat scene the ''wudan'' is in the middle of the stage surrounded by her enemies, each holding a couple of light double-headed spears with tassels at each ends. The enemies toss their spears for the heroine to kick back in various ways, which is meant to mimic deflections in battles. The result is fast-paced action (if the actress is good) with many spears flying through air simultaneously.

Cross-gender acting

Male ''wudan'' actors are extremely rare. Yang Rui-Yu (), a Taiwanese Peking opera performer who graduated from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts in Beijing, has been called the only active male ''wudan'' actor. He is with Wu Hsing-kuo's Contemporary Legend Theatre ().

On the other hand, it's common for (shorter) ''wudan'' actresses to play males, i.e. ''wawasheng'' () or boy characters who can fight with weapons. These include Liu Chenxiang from ''The Magic Lotus Lantern'', Zhao Wu from the ''The Orphan of Zhao'', and Yang Wenguang from ''Women Generals of the Yang Family''.

References

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{{Chinese opera

Chinese opera role types
Female stock characters