Performed on the ground, Dixi Theatre – Dixi in Chinese – is a form of traditional stage art that has its origins in the Ming Dynasty era (1368-1644) rooted in the cultural fabric of Guizhou.
It is distinguished by its portrayal of peasant soldiers fighting to defend and honor their heroes.
Drawing inspiration from historical narratives such as the epic “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” it is renowned for its complex masks – often tinted red to symbolize courage and the divine.
These masks are crafted to embody the spirit and virtues of legendary warriors and leaders, reenacting scenes of loyalty, bravery, and strategy that resonate with the struggles and aspirations of common people turned soldiers in their quest for justice and heroism.