Snow

Mandarin Learning: Insight into the Peking Opera

Students can use their Mandarin-speaking skills to interact with a native performer of the Peking Opera.

Duration : 60 mins     Max Size : 50     Destination : China  

Category : Mandarin     Recommended For : Languages

Subject :  

Overview

If the word opera gets you thinking about unwavering soprano or baritone voices, Western classical music performed by a grand orchestra to accompany a stage drama, the Peking Opera is sure to give you a slightly different outlook. In this session an artisan will offer insights into the Peking Opera – the most dominant form of Chinese opera combining music, dance, mime, acrobatics and vocals. Join us to interact in Mandarin, with a native performer, while learning about this 200-year-old oriental art form from China. 

Originating in Beijing in the Qing dynasty, the Peking Opera gained recognition in the mid-19th century and is an impressive part of the Chinese culture. This classic performance art combines Chinese instruments, dancing, singing, miming and history. Our host will introduce you to the four main characters of the Peking Opera performance – Sheng, Dan, Jing and Chou. You might want to listen intently to be able to identify the characteristics of these four characters, and how their appearances differ. You will learn about the various masks used, what each portray, and what significance colours of the face paint have for each of the characters. 

Each artist of the Peking Opera would have begun training in all the performing arts from a very early age. Interestingly, every artist must have trained in the martial arts too, to be a complete performer of the opera. Discipline and adherence to the rules of performance is of utmost importance. 

With colourful costumes, exotic headgear and vibrant stage settings, the Peking Opera is truly a spectacular sight. Take this session to learn about this enthralling performance and the talented artists behind this art, right from the horse’s mouth i.e., from a native Mandarin-speaking performer of the Peking Opera.

Your Presenter

  Liu Ping

Liu Ping reflects the true spirit of China's dynamic growth as someone who worked in phosphorous mines as a teenager and then educated herself to become a teacher, an english language interpreter and eventually an entrepreneur. A global speaker, Liu is passionate about showcasing the real China to the rest of the world. Liu lives in Beijing and is the author of 'My Chinese Dream-From Red Guards to CEO'.

How it works

This tour has been designed specially for school children. This is a group tour that accommodates up to 50 children at a time. Once you book this experience, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to join the session.  Children and teachers can log in from their individual classes or congregate in one single class/hall and access the tour via the link provided.

What you need

You will need a stable internet connection and a mobile device (ideally a desktop or laptop) to stream the session.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel and obtain a full refund for this session until 5 days before the date of the first session.

Book this experience

From £250 / Per Group (Max 50 Person)