— Shaanxi Opera Research Institute Visits SCIE
Recently, the Shaanxi Opera Research Institute, widely regarded as the leading institution for Qinqiang opera, visited Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE), bringing a special performance to more than 500 students and staff. The visit was coordinated by Antuoshan Public Cultural Centre (APCC).
As part of the campus arts education programme of the 6th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival, the event was jointly organised by SCIE’s Chinese Department and Music and Drama Department. It brought traditional Chinese opera to campus, giving students and staff an opportunity to experience this distinctive art form up close.
From Textbook to Stage: Bringing Classics to Life
SCIE’s Chinese curriculum places strong emphasis on the study of classical literature. In the Yuan Dynasty drama unit, students explore renowned works such as The Injustice to Dou E by Guan Hanqing and The Romance of the Western Chamber by Wang Shifu, gaining an understanding of the artistic value and cultural significance of classical literature.
The performance brought these literary works to life on stage, creating a meaningful connection between classroom learning and traditional performing arts. Through the adaptation and continued interpretation of works such as The Injustice to Dou E, students were able to appreciate how traditional culture has been passed down and reinterpreted through different art forms.
A Showcase of Qinqiang: Experiencing the Art of Traditional Opera
Featuring the popular television drama The Protagonist as a connecting theme, the performance presented a selection of classic Qinqiang opera excerpts, including Beating Jiao Zan and Ghostly Resentment: The Killing. It also featured performances by Plum Blossom Award-winning artists and the spectacular fire-breathing technique, recognised as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
The powerful, resonant vocals, rhythmic percussion, expressive movements and breathtaking stage techniques showcased the distinctive artistic qualities of Qinqiang opera. Through a performance of the theme song from The Protagonist and stories from behind the scenes, students also gained further insight into the art form and the dedication of generations of opera performers.
During the interactive session, students eagerly took to the stage to try out traditional opera movements for themselves, gaining a firsthand appreciation of the skill, discipline and hard work behind each performance.
Keeping Traditional Culture Alive Through the Next Generation
From literary texts to stage performances, and from watching to hands-on participation, the event not only extended learning beyond the Chinese classroom but also provided a vivid example of interdisciplinary arts education at SCIE.
As the words on the page came to life through the voices and movements of performers, the meeting of centuries-old Qinqiang tradition and the youthful energy of SCIE brought renewed vitality to traditional Chinese culture, inspiring a new generation to appreciate and engage with this rich artistic heritage.
