Beijing Opera

Beijing Opera dates back to the 18th century. It is a combination of acting, talking, singing, dancing, music and acrobatics. acrobatics The costumes are always in bright colour.costumes

What role do they play in Beijing Opera?

Sheng 生

Dan 旦

Jing 净

Chou 丑

male roles with brightly painted face sheng dan jing chou female roles clown roles male roles four main roles in Beijing opera

She is on a horse. Can you guess where the characters are?

They are in a city.

胡琴 鑼(锣)鼓鑼(锣)鼓 京二胡 月琴

Mei Lanfang----a well –known Beijing Opera master

something that covers one’s face mask 面具

the clothes worn in a play or film costume 服装 ( 装 )

movements of one’s body in a skilful way acrobatics 雜 ( 杂 ) 技

What do you know about Beijing Opera? Work in pairs and choose the right answers. 1. When did Beijing Opera start? a) the late 18th century b) the late 19th century c) the late 20th century a) the late 18th century

2. How many main roles are there in Beijing Opera? a) 4 b) 8 c) What are the main instruments played in Beijing Opera? a) violin b) jinghu c) drum d) piano e)sanxian f) guitar a) 4 b) jinghu e)sanxian

4. Match the main roles with their names. sheng male roles with brightly painted face dan female roles jing clown roles chou male roles

1. What skills do Beijing Opera actors need to have? acting, talking, singing, dancing and acrobatics. 2. Where was Beijing Opera performed at the beginning? On open-air stages in markets, streets, teahouses or temple courtyards.

3. Why does it have very loud music and a sharp singing style? Because at the beginning, Beijing Opera was performed mostly on open-air stages, they had to play the music loudly and sing in sharp voices to be heard over the crowds. 4. Why do performers wear brightly coloured costumes? Because with bright color, the audience can see them more clearly.

1. What does the stage look like in Beijing Opera? 2. How do symbols play an important role in Beijing Opera? Many body movements can represent actions such as opening a door, climbing a hill, going upstairs or rowing a boat. It looks like very simple.

holding a tassel walking with a flag on each side four generals and four soldiers an army of thousands riding a horse riding in a carriage Various body movements can represent actions.

Beijing Opera history main rolesskills needed singing,dancing acrobatics costumes sharp late 18th century four roles acting,talking bright colours singing styles

Besides Beijing Opera, there are still other National Treasures in China. They serve as a window of China. And through this window, foreigners are able to understand Chinese culture better.