Listen to a Chinese Opera without wincing. I realize it's very cultural and all that, but the sounds that are made as "singing"...DAMN.

My mom sent me a DVD collection of the Peking Opera. I believe she got it for pledging a donation to PBS or something, because she cannot possibly have listened to this and sent it on as a gift. Well...unless she's mad at me. I might have done something to piss her off, which would explain her giving me a collection of costumes, makeup, and absolutely amazing sounds made by the performers. It's very much like watching a car accident. In slow motion. And Dolby digital surround sound. I am almost certain that it's not ancient at all, and they came up with this a a means of torturing spies during the cold war.

I will try to explain - Car alarm...cat at a groomer's...children being murdered...train wreck...none of these can properly explain some of the chilling sounds made by the performing artists during a Chinese Opera. I admit it's quite a talent to make these noises, I am certain that Jim Carey is green with envy over some of the noises produced and combined with the facial expressions...wowza. I just cannot get over the alien sounds...my ignorant western ears are in pain!

I wish I could learn to appreciate this ancient art, but I am drowning in ignorance. What do you all think? Love it? Hate it? Just. Don't. Get it?