"This book is published simultaneously in seven versions in different languages including Chinese, English, Japanese, Russian, French, German and Spanish."--Page 3 of cover.

Intriguing facial makeup -- Monkey plays that bustle with noise and excitement -- Anhui Troupes and the birth of Peking Opera -- The art of listening, old-style theaters -- The stage and props -- Four roles of Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou -- Classic plays -- Music and the orchestra -- Acting -- Nan Dan, or men playing female roles -- Performers and performing schools -- Generations of famous actors -- Mei Lanfang, famous Dan impersonator -- Theatrical companies and old-style opera schools -- Forms of performance -- Old Beijing in Peking Opera's heyday -- Modern Peking Operas -- Singing, dancing and acting skills -- "Realms" of acting -- Conventions of Peking Opera -- Not easy to appreciate Peking Opera -- Peking Opera in its contemporary era.