[Netherrealmer]

So I found out in 1960s China, it was norm on Chinese movie during the 1960s to have actresses play male roles. And no, they're not trans men, they're not lesbians, they are women who plays biological male roles. It may sound weird, but yeah, it was very common in the 1960s. I guess it has something to do with during the Qing Dynasty, actresses were banned, only men are allowed to act in Peking opera, and then suddenly there comes a split operas for Chinese women so they can act and be separated by men. So that tradition carries up to the 1960s. So a lot of actresses in the 1960s get to play male roles. And no homophobia when this was done, or no transphobia as well because there's no kissing in 1960s Chinese movies. So casting women as men became a norm.


I found out on this documentary

[Fergal]

That's interesting, were they able to make their voices sound like the voices of men?

[Netherrealmer]

They try to sound masculine but still sounds like a woman

[germainebull]

This is a very interesting story about Chinese cinema in the 1960s. It is amazing to see how women played male roles without being associated with issues of gender or sexual orientation. It was an artistic culture, not a debate about identity.

Its origins seem to be from the Qing dynasty where women were banned from acting, and only men were allowed. Later, women found their place through women-only operas, and that became the door for them to play even male roles. This changed the perception of art without causing social conflict.

Interestingly, there was no homophobia or transphobia, perhaps because the films did not have an explicit sexual orientation. Art was respected as art. This teaches us that creativity can cross boundaries without causing conflict.

[Netherrealmer]

There are even modern Chinese movies where little boys are played by little girls because they think little girls are better actors

[germainebull]

There are even modern Chinese movies where little boys are played by little girls because they think little girls are better actors
0

Wow!
China has decided to play a different game, bro. Girls play the roles of boys because they play with stronger emotions. They know how to portray characters better than other boys. It's just talent, not gender. If you play well, you get a spot.

[Padmavati753]

Fascinating piece of history! Thanks for sharing!