You are viewing 6th grade curriculum
Lesson Title: Symbolism in Beijing Opera
Goals for lesson
- To understand the concept of symbolism and be able to demonstrate this concept.
- To be able to distinguish Beijing Opera from other types of operas by identifying the symbolism.
Standard met in Language Arts curriculum / Concepts and themes
- Listen to form an opinion based on information, ideas, and themes expressed in presentations.
Standard met in Social Studies curriculum / Concepts and themes
- History – explore the Chinese culture through one of their art forms.
Activity
- The teacher explains to the students what symbolism means, and how it is demonstrated in Beijing Opera, through costumes, acting, masks etc. See handout section.
- Explain the color’s symbolism in mask painting and costumes. Display pictures of masks used by the Beijing Opera. (this link contains several masks)
http://www.paulnoll.com/China/Opera/China-opera-masks.html
The class is broken into smaller groups to work together. Based on the colors used in these masks, describe the characters that would wear them. Have groups share their conclusions and compare with the conclusions of the other groups.
- Explain the color’s symbolism in mask painting and costumes, and ask the students questions such as:
- What would a brave general most likely to wear? What color would be the major color of his face?
- What would a spy’s face look like?
- What color would a good emperor likely wear? What color would be the major color of his face? What if he is the Jade Emperor from heaven?
Notes: There might be more than “correct” answer to some questions. As long as the students argue logically, it is fine.
- Explain the symbolism in acting in Beijing Opera, and have the students split into small groups and act out a few scenarios without using props. Challenge the groups to use subtle symbolism to represent whether they are a male or female character, what social class they are from, the emotion of the character etc…:
- Riding a horse, slowly and fast
- Opening a door
- Rowing a boat, in good weather and in bad weather
- A thief trying to steal money at night
- A girl doing embroidery
- Have the students make up their own scenarios
Key Questions
- What does the word “symbolism” mean?
- What are some examples of symbolism in Beijing Opera?
- What are some advantages of being a highly symbolic art form?
Handouts
Reading: Examples of symbolism in Beijing Opera: Acting