CHI 227 - The Chinese Cultural Essence: Peking Opera and Beyond

Introduction to Peking Opera, the most representative form of Chinese indigenous musical theatre, which embodies the Chinese cultural essence and which is recognized by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage of China.” Learn about its history, genesis, and inception; its melodies, role types, features, performance technique, and repertoire. Explore its innovations and experiments; compare it with Western opera and spoken drama. Read offstage narratives and look into the secrets in the Peking Opera circles. In English; no prerequisites required.

Satisfies Chinese Language and Literature major requirement.
Satisfies East Asian Studies major and minor requirement.
Satifies Chinese Studies minor requirement.
Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement.
Satisfies Cultural Diversity requirement.