Chinese Kung Fu and Face-Changing Art Demonstrated by Sichuan Opera Artist in California
Sichuan Opera face-changing artist Alex Liu showcased the traditional Chinese kung fu required for face-changing in an interview with The Epoch Times on March 14. Liu is one of the inheritors of the face-changing art form that originated from Sichuan Opera, known for its performers’ ability to change into multiple facial makeups in an instant on stage.
Living in Southern California, Liu has been actively performing in both Northern and Southern California, captivating audiences of all ethnic backgrounds with this traditional stage art. The face-changing art, a treasure left by China’s ancestors, involves daily practice that not only strengthens the body but also brings a sense of energy and youthfulness to the practitioner.
In a recent performance at a school in Silicon Valley, Alex Liu performed two consecutive shows, leaving the star kids in awe with his quick and seamless face changes. The principal and students alike were moved by his skills, sparking a week-long interest in face-changing among the students. Similarly, his New Year’s Eve performance in Los Angeles was met with resounding applause and excitement from a diverse audience of nearly a thousand spectators.
With a background in martial arts from a young age, Alex Liu found that his skills greatly complemented the art of face-changing, allowing him to master the stage performance quicker. The art of face-changing in Sichuan Opera involves not just facial changes but also expressive body movements that convey characters’ emotions effectively.
To learn face-changing in Sichuan Opera, practitioners like Alex Liu emphasize the importance of mastering basic skills such as horse stance, lunge, cloud hands, and shoulder opening. These exercises not only improve flexibility but also strengthen and energize the body. Persistence in training can lead to physical and mental transformation, as seen in individuals like an 80-year-old client who appears much younger due to his dedicated practice.
Looking to the future, Alex Liu plans to establish a face-changing art training school to encourage more Chinese Americans to learn and preserve this traditional art form. By embracing and practicing this ancient craft, individuals can not only feel a sense of pride but also contribute to the preservation of Chinese culture in the United States.
As Alex Liu continues to receive performance invitations and share the magic of face-changing with audiences across California, his passion for this traditional art form remains unwavering, showcasing the timeless beauty and grace of Sichuan Opera.