The Palace Museum has a rich archive of Chinese opera scripts and libretti. They are divided into six categories according to their use.
Hall of Peace Script
Script with detailed descriptions exclusively read by the emperor and the empress dowager
Main Script
Script used by the actors in rehearsal; its contents are the same as the Hall of Peace Script but without the detailed descriptions
Individual Script
Script for a specific role; contains the lines for that character
Music Score
Document showing the lyrics of every character, notated with the notes and rhythm patterns
Production Notes, Stage Directions
Description of the performance, including instructions concerning stage movements, martial arts segments, and stage arrangements, sometimes with illustrations
Play in Outline
Firstly, an outline posted backstage during a performance that provides the stage managers with the order in which the actors appear on stage; secondly, a record of the characters’ costumes, face make-up, and props for the crew in charge of the costume trunk (a trunk that stored props and costumes)
