Beijing opera , the best-known
Chinese Opera, was developed
during the Qing dynasty
(1644-1911) . It is a dramatic
form that includes dance,
theater, music, and
Beijing Opera
What do you know about Beijing
Opera? Work in pairs and choose
the right answers.
1. When did Beijing Opera start?
a) the late 18th century
b) the late 19th century
c) the late 20th century
a) the late 18th century
2. How many main roles are there
in Beijing Opera?
a) 4 b) 8 c) 12
3. What are eh main instruments
played in Beijing Opera?
a) violin b) jinghu c) drum
d) piano e) sanxian f) guitar
a) 4
b) jinghu
4. Match the main roles with their
names.
sheng male roles with brightly
painted face
dan female roles
jing clown roles
chou male roles
Match the meanings with the pictures
on P24:
Pic.1 They are in the city.
Pic.2 She is in a carriage.
Pic.3 They are in their new
bedroom.
Pic.4 She is on a horse.
Symbols in Beijing Opera
holding a tassel
walking with a
flag on each side
four generals
and four soldiers
an army of
thousands
riding a
horse
riding in a
carriage
Various body movements can represent
actions.
1.This golden ring is a real
________.
2.My mother sewed my _______ for
the school play.
3.I love watching __________ but it
looks very difficult!
treasure
acrobatics
costume
4. The first step in making a cake
is to _______ the milk and
butter.
5. The singer wore a _______ that
was made of wood.
combine
mask
Listen to the first and second part
of a TV programme. Use the
Strategies to answer the questions.
1. What skills do Beijing Opera
actors need to have ?
Acting, talking, singing,
music dancing and
acrobatics.
On open-air stages, in markets,
streets, teahouses or temple
courtyards.
2. Where was Beijing Opera
performed at the beginning ?
3.Why does it have very loud music
and a piercing singing style ?