US students perform Peking opera in Shanghai

A group of American students from Princeton University perform episodes from classical Peking operas in Shanghai on Sept 7, showcasing what they learned during the summer camp. [Photo/chinanews.com]

A group of American students from Princeton University performed episodes from classical Peking operas in Shanghai on Sept 7 after practising for nineteen days in an intensive summer camp.

Peking opera is a form of Chinese opera that combines music, vocal performances, mime, dance and acrobatics. It became extremely popular during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and continues to garner a large following.

A US student learns Peking opera skills from a master. [Photo/chinanews.com]

The summer camp, which ran from Aug 20 to Sept 7, was co-organized by the Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company and the Shanghai Theatre Academy. It taught American students the theoretical knowledge, basic skills, costumes and make-up of the opera.

Peking opera masters including Chen Shaoyun, Shi Yihong, Yan Qinggu, and Fu Xiru were invited to give lectures to the students.

Leanora Berthiaume, who acted in the operas Ode to the Pear Flower and Farewell My Concubine, said she has been interested in Chinese culture from a young age and welcomed the opportunity to further develop her understanding of it.

The Shanghai Jingju Theatre Company has held Peking opera training programs for a decade, but this year marks the first time training has been given to a group of foreign novices.

An American student performing Peking opera in Shanghai. [Photo/chinanews.com]