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Year 12: IB Theatre - Research Presentation

Cantonese, Yueju, or Peking Opera

Li Cunxiao Peking opera 1

A Peking opera performance in Tianchan Theatre by Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company.

There are two major types of Chinese Opera: Peking and Cantonese (Yueju). Peking Opera is sung and recited using primarily Beijing dialect, and its librettos are composed according to a strict set of rules that prize form and rhyme. Yueju is rooted in the Cantonese-speaking provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi in south-eastern China, and is characterised by a combination of string and percussion instruments, with elaborate costumes and face painting.

References

陈文 (2014, December 21). 这个大篅是从肩膀漏下去的，讲求一个巧 [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Li_Cunxiao_Peking_opera_1.jpg

UNESCO. (n.d.). In Peking opera. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/peking-opera-00418

UNESCO. (n.d.). In Yueju opera. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/yueju-opera-00203

Video: Performance Demonstration

Summary: Yueju opera is popular throughout China and provides a cultural bond among Cantonese speakers in the country and abroad. They view its success around the world as a point of pride, regarding the opera as an important means by which foreigners come to understand their culture. Today, the tradition is passed to new artists through both drama schools and apprenticeship programmes.

Reference

UNESCO. (2009, September 26). Yueju opera [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2GNsHUfrF8

Summary: Description: Peking opera is a performance art incorporating singing, reciting, acting, martial arts. Although widely practised throughout China, its performance centres on Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai.

Reference

UNESCO. (2010, November 05). Peking opera [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/vtV3iAuYN48