CRI听力:Peking Opera Well Received by Young Students

Beijing Shijia Primary School is one of 14 pilot schools chosen by Beijing's education authorities to experiment with a Peking Opera course.

The textbook, the first of its kind, has been compiled by teachers at the Chinese Theater Arts Academy and child-education specialists working together.

Hou Shoufeng is the Editor-in-chief of the textbook, which is called "Happy Peking Opera".

"In Peking Opera courses, the teachers not only teach students how to sing specific scenes, but also how to understand the traditional art form by telling them the stories behind them. It's a concern that Chinese students are losing interest in Chinese traditional culture and arts. Courses on Peking Opera will help them to gain a greater understanding of traditional culture."

A combination of music, dance, literature, face-painting and acrobatics, Peking Opera is one of the most influential and representative of all operas in China.

There is no doubt that Peking Opera is one of the highest expressions of Chinese culture. But the question is: can young children accept, appreciate and learn this sophisticated art form?

Gao Manhong is the headmaster at the Shijia Primary School. He says the fondness the students have shown for Peking Opera has far exceeded his expectations:

"Most of our students like Peking Opera, its characters, the costume, the make-up, the arias… they all take part enthusiastically in the training and performances staged. The parents also support it."

So far the Peking Opera classes have proved to be very popular and the little ones are excited to learn all about it.

-student A: "I don't think it's difficult at all. I like it very much."

-Student B: "I couldn't find the right tune at the beginning. With the help of the teachers, I can now sing a passage or two."

Jiang Fang from the Central Drama Academy in Beijing is in charge of the Peking Opera Society at Shijia Primary School.

She speaks highly of the pilot program and believes it's vital that Peking Opera is brought into the education system.

"The young students are very smart and quick at learning. Incorporating Peking Opera into the school curriculum is a good way for students to learn how to appreciate their national culture. It will give them a positive influence for the rest of their lives."

If it is feasible, more primary and middle schools in the capital city will add Peking Opera as part of their courses to give students a hands-on experience in the traditional Chinese art.