On December 3rd and 4th, the Confucius Institute in Edmonton organized the Beijing Opera Workshop for school students. 22 artists from Mei Lanfang Beijing Opera Troupe brought the cultural treasure of China to Londonderry School and Meyonohk School.
During one-hour workshop, the students enjoyed the unique music of Beijing Opera played on the chief musical instruments such as jinghu, yueqin, sanxian, bangu (drum), cymbals, etc. They also learned the history, characteristics and facial masks of Beijing Opera by watching a short video.
The students had a further understanding of Beijing Opera after watching the live performance “Sanchakou (Where Three Roads Meet)” and “Farewell My Concubine”. The former is a classic opera episode featuring mime and martial arts, while the latter features the Dan role (female role). The students also had a chance to go onto the stage and learn some movements and gestures.
This workshop introduced the students to a new art form to explore Chinese language and culture.