阅读理解
Beijing Opera is the most representative of
all Chinese traditional dramatic forms, mostly from the local drama
"Huiban", which was popular in South China during the 18th century.
It is. scenic (戏剧的) art integrating music,
performance, literature, aria (咏叹调) , and face
painting.
Theatrical
art forms in many other countries do not present singing, dancing and spoken parts
in one single drama. An opera singer, for example, neither dances nor speaks on
stage; there are no singing or dancing parts in a modern play; in a dance
drama, the dancer has no speaking role and does not sing either. Traditional
Chinese drama, including Beijing Opera, is a kind of entertainment which includes
spoken parts, singing, dancing and acrobatics.
In addition to its presence in China, Beijing
Opera has spread to many other places. Mei Lanfang, one of the most famous
performers of all time, was the first to introduce Beijing Opera to foreigners
and made highly successful tours to foreign countries.
"You will be puzzled all the way
through and a little bored from time to time; but you will be charmed and
interested. You will be strongly attracted to Beijing Opera even if you know nothing
of the dramatic background." This is how one American traveler described
his first experience in watching Being Opera.
Beijing Opera is China's national opera and
it is full of Chinese cultural traditions. Welcome to China and enjoy Being
Opera!