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After the foundation of Taiwan Peking and Kunqu Opera Troupe, it continued passing on traditional art and besides, it intended to root and promote Chinese opera. Thus, it frequently held performance tour in the schools and communities. In addition, it often represented the country to exchange the culture oversea and introduced the beauty of Peking and Kunqu Opera to Europe and America. According to marketing manager of Taiwan Peking and Kunqu Opera Troupe, Po-Shou Tung, Chinese opera should be creative and be both traditional and modern. It performs not only old plays, but also the adapted ones. By the effect of technology, the stages become more attractive. Thus, it will increase the audiences. Peking and Kunqu Opera Troupe undertakes the mission to glorify Peking and Kunqu Opera in Taiwan. Therefore, when the director assumed the post, the priority was to promote Peking and Kunqu Opera in the schools and communities.
Right seven is the troupe director
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Left one is the marketing manager of the troupe |
Promotion of Chinese opera in the schools
Promotion of Chinese opera in the schools has been one of the key objectives of Peking and Kunqu Opera Troup. In order to allow traditional opera to be accessible, it launched a series of promotion projects of art education study of Chinese opera. In recent years, it carefully planned the promotion on campus and selected the plays appropriate for the students and introduced Chinese opera by interesting performances to break through traditional stereotyped image of Peking and Kunqu opera; furthermore, the students could directly approach Peking and Kunqu opera and by experiencing the makeup, practice of basic techniques, training of facial expression, postures and action of weapons of Peking and Kunqu opera and even the performance on stages, they recognized the pleasure and hard work of the actors. By profound and simple explanation and demonstration, Chinese opera became popular with the students. According to Mr. Tung, in recent years, they actively promoted Chinese opera in the schools and were applauded by numerous students and teachers. Through interesting experiential instruction, they aim to enhance the students’ interest in traditional opera and further approach the art.
Introduction of makeup skills to the students |
Instruction of actions to the students
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Art education study of Chinese opera
In order to promote Chinese opera and cultivate seeding teachers of Peking and Kunqu opera, Peking and Kunqu Opera Troup frequently held “art education study of Chinese opera” in the schools. The participants were elementary school and junior high school teachers and Chinese opera fans. In each activity, there were several Chinese opera scholars, experts, actors, directors and musicians involved. It fully used Chinese opera resources and professional talents. Besides the lectures, Peking and Kunqu opera actors introduced and demonstrated the singing and postures. It integrated theory and practice. In addition, the troupe published a series of art education teaching materials for the educators of traditional opera which became valuable resources for the public’s lifelong learning. By the study, it expected that the teachers could combine Peking and Kunqu opera in curriculum design and develop teaching materials. Thus, more students will approach the performing art of traditional opera.
Promotion of traditional opera in the schools |
More students approach traditional opera |
Promotion of art activities in the communities
According to Manager Po-Shou Tung, with the evolution of time, Peking and Kunqu opera in Taiwan is declining. The main reason is the reduction of performance places and audiences. Thus, in order to introduce Chinese opera to the public, the troupe actively performed various activities in the communities. Thus, Chinese opera became approachable and the public could cultivate the interest to appreciate Chinese opera. Besides the public performance tour, the troupe joined in the performances of festivals, charity performances and art activities to promote performing art to the public and enhance their competence of art appreciation. The purpose is to allow Chinese opera to be part of the people’s daily life. Most of the activities were free and the performance places were accessible in the public daily life, such as park, square, campus, community activity center, etc. After the efforts in these years, the audiences of Peking and Kunqu opera is increasing year by year.
The troupe participate in activities of different places |
Regular tour performance of the troupe |
Interviewee:Marketing manager of Po-Shou Tung of Taiwan Peking and Kunqu Opera Troupe.November 30,2020.
Source of Photos:authorized and provided by the Guoguang Opera Company