Post the questions that you have for Beryl after her intriguing lecture on the Peking Opera. She is a specialist on the folk music from the villages of China.
In the opera that you mentioned today that was focused on the 4th Yang son and whose mother reunites with him on the Song territory border, is this story based on historical fact and if so what year did this intrigue take place?
The percussion instruments are rather strong during the performance of the opera. Are the cymbals symbolic of a religious ritual (like chasing away of evil spirits? How did they come to be used in the opera?
Yes, cymbals are used for religious rituals in China. Regional operas often incorporate folk tunes and folk instruments, including those used for rituals. In the 1920s, a famous Peking opera actor added cymbals to the percussion ensemble for the first time due to its bright timbre and dramatic character. So it’s a modern development in Peking opera.
Hi Julia, there are many art schools for young children to learn Peking opera in China, especially in Beijing. These children often attend high schools and colleges that specialize in training for Peking opera, and later become stage actors or musicians.
Traditionally, Peking opera tales are folk tales of China’s dynastic periods. During the 1960-70s, peking opera was used for political propaganda in “model operas,” which incorporated modern revolutionary stories. Today, both types of opera are still performed.
Traditionally, women were restricted from acting on stage, and all the roles were performed by male actors. Not until the end of Qing dynasty was there an increasing number of female actresses in Peking opera. Today, men and women could play either male or female role types. There are many famous actors who play female role types and actresses who play male role types.
In the opera that you mentioned today that was focused on the 4th Yang son and whose mother reunites with him on the Song territory border, is this story based on historical fact and if so what year did this intrigue take place?
ReplyDeleteSilang Visits His Mother is not based on historical facts. It’s a famous folk tale.
DeleteThe percussion instruments are rather strong during the performance of the opera. Are the cymbals symbolic of a religious ritual (like chasing away of evil spirits? How did they come to be used in the opera?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYes, cymbals are used for religious rituals in China. Regional operas often incorporate folk tunes and folk instruments, including those used for rituals. In the 1920s, a famous Peking opera actor added cymbals to the percussion ensemble for the first time due to its bright timbre and dramatic character. So it’s a modern development in Peking opera.
DeleteThis is from Julia Tedrowe. (jtedrowe12@punahou.edu)
ReplyDeleteWhat is the training for the Pekin Opera like?
Is there some sort of school that the actors must attend from when they are little?
Thank you very much,
Julia
Hi Julia, there are many art schools for young children to learn Peking opera in China, especially in Beijing. These children often attend high schools and colleges that specialize in training for Peking opera, and later become stage actors or musicians.
DeleteAre Peking Operas strictly traditional (of traditional tales) or can it be more modern? How has it evolved over the years?
ReplyDeleteTraditionally, Peking opera tales are folk tales of China’s dynastic periods. During the 1960-70s, peking opera was used for political propaganda in “model operas,” which incorporated modern revolutionary stories. Today, both types of opera are still performed.
DeleteI notice that men can play female roles, which leads me to the question: are the actors for Peking Opera all men who either play male or female roles?
ReplyDeleteTraditionally, women were restricted from acting on stage, and all the roles were performed by male actors. Not until the end of Qing dynasty was there an increasing number of female actresses in Peking opera. Today, men and women could play either male or female role types. There are many famous actors who play female role types and actresses who play male role types.
DeleteAre all of the stories in Peking Opera related to China's history?
ReplyDeleteNo. The stories used in Peking opera could be based on history or on famous folk tales. For example, Silang Visits His Mother is a famous folk tale.
DeleteDo women do a lot of stage combat too, or is it just the men?
ReplyDeleteYes, women are also trained in stage combat.
DeleteDo the actors have to learn some sort of martial art?
ReplyDeleteYes, all actors are trained in acting, speech, singing, and stage combat according to their role types.
Delete