What is a brief introduction to Peking Opera in English?

1. Peking Opera, formerly known as Pingju, is one of the five major traditional Chinese operas. It originated in Beijing and has evolved over centuries to become an integral part of Chinese culture. The roots of Peking Opera can be traced back to the late Ming Dynasty and the early Qing Dynasty.

2. Here's a concise introduction: Peking Opera, once called Pingju, is among the five prominent genres of Chinese theater. It is a rich cultural heritage that embodies the essence of Chinese performing arts.

3. Peking Opera, also known as "Beijing Opera," is a vital genre of Chinese theater. Originating in Beijing, it has undergone significant development and transformation, becoming a key component of Chinese cultural heritage. Its origins date back to the late Ming Dynasty and the early Qing Dynasty.

4. Below are some English terms related to Peking Opera, which has a history of nearly two centuries. Let's take a look together.

What are the English names for the various roles in Peking Opera?

The four types of roles in Peking Opera are collectively known as "hengdang." Sheng (male role) refers to the male protagonists, excluding painted faces and clowns. It is further divided into laosheng (elderly), wusheng (military), xiaosheng (young), hongsheng (red-faced), and wa-wa sheng (young boy).

Peking Opera is a comprehensive performing art that combines singing, reciting, acting, fighting, and dancing. Through stylized performances, it tells stories, portrays characters, and expresses a range of emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, surprise, fear, and sadness.

It might be best to use transliteration, as international mahjong competitions now directly use terms like "pong," "chi," and "hu le" in their original form for authenticity. You can then explain that Peking Opera has four main role categories: sheng, dan, jing, and chou, which help distinguish characters.

These roles can be likened to certain types of people in real life. They are categories based on the different types of roles played and their artistic characteristics in performance. For instance, in Peking Opera, sheng typically refers to male characters, further divided into laosheng, xiaosheng, and wusheng.

What are some English play scripts with translations for a cast of 6?

1. One such script is "Skipping Class," a play designed for six actors. It's an ideal script for students, as it revolves around the theme of skipping classes. The script consists mainly of dialogue and stage directions, with direct speech, monologues, and asides presented in a representational style, while in opera, lyrics are often used to convey emotions.

2. Here's an interesting example: The scene takes place at the edge of a river. A group of black children are kicking around in the front yard. Forrest (voice-over) says, "I haven't been home for too long because I made a promise to Buba." This scene sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

3. Translation: Scene 1:

- Mother: Good morning.

- Son: Good morning, darling.

- Mother: Why don't you sit down and have breakfast?

- Son: Sure.

- Mother: Did you finish your homework, dear?

- Son: Yes.

- Mother: Did you brush your teeth?

- Son: Mom, I haven't finished my breakfast yet. I'll brush my teeth when I come down.