Online Chinese Cultural Talk Traditional Peking Opera • Contemporary Ballet

Online Chinese Cultural Talk

Traditional Peking Opera • Contemporary Ballet

Introduction

This lecture comes as a combination of two exciting topics. One is "Peking Opera Art Appreciation",
delivered by Mr. Zhang Jianguo, the Chinese national first-class actor and famous Peking opera performing artist.
The other one is "Ballet in China", given by Ms. Feng Ying, the Head and Artistic Director of the National Ballet of China.
These two artists will vividly explain the origin and development of Peking opera and Chinese ballet,
and showcase the extraordinary achievements of those two arts in china.

Peking Opera

Peking opera is a colourful and spectacular performance art, famous for its elaborate costumes and makeup, gestural and acrobatic stage movements, highly symbolic and stylised content, and unique musical style. It’s the best-known opera as a quintessentially Chinese art form.

In this lecture, Mr. Zhang Jianguo gives a detailed overview of Peking opera by introducing its history and context, types, roles, costumes, and makeup.You’ll learn about this traditional Chinese art while enjoying some of the most beautiful operas.

Ballet in China

Founded in December 1959, the National Ballet of China has been inspiring, delighting and challenging audiences through the power of its performances. Their concert dance of western classical ballet, including Giselle and Swan Lake, has attracted considerable critical acclaim. At the same time, they have evolved into a unique expression of Chinese culture, crystallising the nation’s athleticism, aspiration to excellence and love of dance.

Ms. Feng Ying, the Head and Artistic Director of the National Ballet of China, will demonstrate the origin and development of Chinese ballet, and showcase the charm of Chinese ballet by presenting some representative ballet shows.

Be immersed in the inspiring lectures and explore the fascinating stories behind the scenes!