Dates: 2/12, 2/19, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/15, 4/29, 5/20
This 8-week, once weekly course provides
an introduction to the rich, traditional art of Cantonese opera, one of the
major regional categories of Chinese opera. Chinese opera is an elaborate,
dramatic form of storytelling involving singing, instrumentation, martial arts,
and acrobatics. Students will gain a historical overview of the art's deep
cultural roots and guided exposure into current practices of the unique art
through interactive workshops, demonstrations, and lectures. Material will also
include foundational lessons on the performance aspects of stylized body
movement, singing styles, costume, hair styling, and makeup. Students will be
equipped to more fully appreciate this colorful art culture and be encouraged
to further pursue independent study of the topic.
Appropriate for those with little to no
experience. Instruction will be in English, knowledge of Chinese is NOT
required, all important terms will be translated and romanized. Open to all
students and adults, ages 10+.
Instructors:
Alice Wong (2009 Dutchess County
Executive Art Award Recipient; Dutchess Arts Council Folk Arts Advisors, Demonstrator
and Folklorist; MHCCA President 04’ Cultural Director, current; MHCCA Youth
Orchestra Founder; Mid-Hudson Children's Museum Community Advisory Board Member)
Camille Yeung (M.F.A., Chinese
University of Hong Kong; Red Bean Cantonese Opera House Member; SUNY New Paltz
Adjunct Lecturer, Chinese calligraphy; Montgomery-Ward School District
Educator)
*This project is made possible (in part)
through a grant from the Dutchess County Arts Council, administrator of public
funds through NYSCA's Decentralization Program.
