To enhance cross- cultural exchange and promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese Opera, “A Night of Chinese Opera”, organized by the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) was successfully held on November 4. National first-class performer and Master of Peking Opera Liu Xueyu, “Monkey King of the Northern Kingdom” Wang Hongguang and other Chinese Opera professionals gave captivating performances at the event. The activity was well attended by over 30 international faculty and students from Tsinghua SIGS and neighboring universities such as Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School and Southern University of Science and Technology.
Photo of the audience at “A Night of Chinese Opera”
The event opened with retired Tsinghua SIGS Professor Zhang Xiaoping introducing the history of Chinese Opera and its development from Yuan Drama (Zaju) to modern Chinese Opera. Prof. Zhang explained the four roles in Chinese Opera: Sheng (The Male Role), Dan (The Female Role), Jing (Painted Face Male Role), Chou (The Comedy Role), as well as the special characteristics and representative performers of Chinese Opera.
Professor Zhang Xiaoping introducing the historyof Chinese Opera
National first-class performer Liu Xueyu interacting with the audience
Anthony from Tsinghua SIGS ISSO and External Relations Office talking about Chinese Opera makeup
Guests performed classic pieces of Chinese Opera and a Chinese mask changing act (Bian Lian), providing a feast for the eyes and captured the audience’s interest.
“Monkey King of the Northern Kingdom” Wang Hongguang performing at the event
The audience were also able to learn and experience different aspects of Chinese Opera through exhibits on props and instruments, stage makeup and opera costumes.
Photo of the exhibition area
Middle school students from the Bauhinia Volunteer Group helping at the event
Photo of the audience enjoying the event
Group photo of the audience, volunteers and some of the performers
TOUCH CHINA, organized by the International Students & Scholars Office at Tsinghua SIGS, is a series of cultural events for international faculty and students that seeks to promote intercultural exchange and communication. Through incorporating instructive, interactive, and experiential elements, TOUCH CHINA inspires international members of the SIGS community to learn more about the history and culture of China.
Article by Li Minhui
Edited by Karen Lee
