Shoes

Unlike headwear, Cantonese Opera footwear were not strictly required to match the costumes. However, most shoes worn in an opera are related to their acting roles. The extent of their decoration reflects the status of their character. A common type of footwear is high boots, usually worn by the emperor, members of the court, landlords and generals. These boots usually are black with thin soles to allow easier fighting on stage/ martial arts. Another common type are for feminine or heroine characters, these shoes are usually elaborately colored, decorated and embroidered that make them look elegant and graceful. Sometimes, in a countryside scene, actors may even go barefoot if they are farmers. Footwear are an indispensable part of the opera and are just as important as the costumes, singing and acting performances.

Read more:

• Foshan Museum - Anecdotes: Art of theatrical shoes 

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