Chinese Opera and Northern Storytelling Traditions: An Enthusiast’s View

About the Topic

Northern Chinese performance traditions, including regional opera, crosstalk, and storytelling, have developed distinctive forms of expression and aesthetic conventions over centuries.

These forms may be less immediately accessible to younger audiences than contemporary art, but they record changes in Chinese aesthetic experience.

Perhaps history’s purpose is to help people within it ask the basic question: who are we?

Mei Lanfang as Yu Ji, 1932 production photograph

For me, learning about these classical performing arts is a way of understanding ourselves in society.

I am an amateur, with a limited and possibly partial understanding of these traditions. This talk is intended as a starting point. If it encourages an interest in their performance and history, it will have served its purpose.

Ma Lianliang as Zhuge Liang, 1932 production photograph

To make up for my limitations, I will also include gossip, rumors, opinions, and some questionable views. If knowledge runs short, there should at least be something to keep you entertained.

If you happen to be passing, come and join us on Friday. Everyone is welcome to lend an audience.