Jingju

In Tian Xia, operatic forms are known as jingju emerged as entertainment for the masses more than 500 years before Chelaxian opera. The number, breadth, and diversity of cultures across Tian Xia results in a many distinct forms of opera, variations in instrumentation, and inspirations for stories.

Jingju lacks the classist bent of Chelaxian or Taldan opera, and was once performed almost exclusively by roving bands of performers. While many jingju are now in permanent venues, all feature some form of seating where admission requires any amount of currency, or even barter.

Jingju productions are often staged simply, with the focus on the kinetic performances of its actors, who wear elaborate costumes and full-face makeup. Not all jingju productions involve singing, but in those that do, performers often use stylized vocal forms that can include crooning, trilling, and the imitation of stringed musical instruments. Such performers begin training at a very young age, and some roles require a range of up to five octaves.