On August 8th, I enjoyed my first exhilarating Peking Opera experience! It was by Yang Ya Nan in the leading role.
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The Plot: Yang Paifeng is the maidservant of the Yang Family. Yang Paifeng, Meng Liang come to the Three Passes to save Yang Zongbao. Jiao Zan is the general of the Three Passes. And Jiao Zan prides himself on his prowess as a soldier and martial artists and looks down upon Ms.Yang Paifeng, as does Meng Liang. Then Meng Liang suggests Jiao Zan and Paifeng to have a martial contest, which, after much comic and skillful “sparring” resulting in the defeat of Jiao Zan and admiration for Paifeng.
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I was impressed by the Opera that has been long ignored by many of the general public. Exquisite makeup, extensively active expression and vivid storylines really comprised a popular play. And the hard work behind the scenes charmed the audience and raised the roof at the “action” scenes!
I felt ashamed to pigeonhole our Peking Opera as a matter for the old. And I think I must attribute this change of opinion to my English teacher, Ms Rose Oliver, because she invited me to see the performance of her friend, Ms Yang, the leading actress.
It’s really quite funny that I learned appreciation of Peking Opera, a quintessential part of China’s cultural history, from my foreign teacher!