变脸，原指戏曲中的情绪化妆，后来指一种瞬间多次变换脸部妆容的表演特技。这种表演许多剧种都有，以川剧最为著名。
Face Changing refers to the special performance skill of changing facial masks several times in the blink of an eye. The performance is used in a wide variety of operas but is best exemplified in Sichuan Opera.
相传”变脸”是古代人类面对凶猛的野兽，为了生存把自己脸部用不同的方式勾画出不同形态，以吓唬入侵的野兽。川剧把”变脸”搬上舞台，用绝妙的技巧使它成为一门独特的艺术。
Allegedly, the talent was used to scare away fierce beasts. In order to survive, people painted their faces with different patterns to threaten wild animals. Sichuan Opera performers perform the skill on stage and have made it a unique art.
变脸有大变脸、小变脸之分。大变脸是全脸都变，有3变、5变乃至9变；小变脸则为局部变脸。
Face Changing can be divided into Major Face Changing and Minor Face Changing. Major Face Changing means changing one’s mask three to nine times. Minor Face Changes mean switching parts of one’s face – ears, nose, mouthpieces – but not the entire facial mask altogether.
变脸的主要手法有三：抹暴眼、吹粉、扯脸。抹暴眼是演员手指抹上预存于眉头或鬓的墨青，一抹即变；吹粉更是粗糙，演员吹起色粉，以改变脸色；扯脸则是用面具，一层一层套在脸上，松紧有度，变时一个个扯下来。
The techniques of face changing are roughly divided into three types: smearing, blowing and pulling. Smearing means to smear the prepared ink on the brows or temples to change the face’s color. Blowing is a more difficult skill to master — performers need to blow colors onto their faces to make them change colors. Pulling means pulling masks that cover the face in layers. Some are loose and some are tight. In performances, performer can also pull down the masks one by one.
变脸要求动作敏捷，不露痕迹。主要用于剧中人物惊恐、绝望、愤怒等情绪的突然变化。
To change faces at lightening speeds, performers must be swift and flawless. This skill is mainly used to express sudden emotional changes such as panic, despair and anger.
