Beijing Opera

the National Treasure

Beijing Opera dates back to the 18th century.

It is a combination of acting, talking, singing, music, dancing and acrobatics.

The costumes are always in bright colour.

costume

date backcombinationa national treasurea piercing voiceacrobaticscostume

a mixture of two or more thingsthe clothes worn in plays or filmsto have a history ofa group of valuable things,very special or important for the countrymovement of one’s body using the skills of an acrobata very high and loud voice

Task 1: Listen to an interview about Beijing Opera

and answer the following questions.1. When did Beijing Opera start?

2. What skills do Beijing Opera actors need to have?

3. How many main roles are there in Beijing Opera?

4. Match the main roles with their names.

sheng male roles with brightly painted faces

dan female roles

jing clown roles

chou male roles

1. When did Beijing Opera start?

It dates back to the late 18th century.

2. What skills do Beijing Opera actors need to have?

It is a combination of acting, talking, singing, music, dancing and acrobatics.

3. How many main roles are there in Beijing Opera?

There are four.

4. Match the main roles with their names.

sheng male roles

dan female roles

jing male roles with brightly painted faces

chou clown roles

sheng

dan

jing

chou

Beijing Opera

historymain roles

skills needed

Task 2:Listen and use the Strategies to answer

the questions.

1. Where was Beijing Opera performed at the beginning?

2. Why does it have very loud music and a piercing singing style?

3. Why do performers wear brightly coloured costumes?

1. Where was Beijing Opera performed at the beginning?

It was performed mostly on open-air stages in markets, streets, teahouses or temple courtyards.

2. Why does it have very loud music and a piercing singing style?

In order to be heard over the crowds.

3. Why do performers wear brightly coloured costumes?

In order to be seen by the crowds clearly.

Beijing Opera

historymain roles

skills needed

costume singing

Qionghua Cantonese Opera Festival

1. Read the passage about Cantonese Opera carefully and find out information according to the diagram.

2. Discuss with your group members to find out the similarities and differences between Beijing Opera and Cantonese Opera.

Cantonese Opera

historymain roles

skills needed

costume singing

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.

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.