PolyU in Opera: Immersive Appreciation and Interactive Workshop on Chinese Opera Culture
The campus of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in April was not only steeped in a strong academic atmosphere but also enlivened by the graceful rhythms of the "Pear Garden" (the poetic term for the opera world). On April 9, with the support of the PolyU Cultural Promotion Committee, the "PolyU in Opera"—an immersive appreciation and interactive workshop on Chinese opera culture, jointly organized by Confucius Institute of Hong Kong, the Department of Chinese History and Culture, and the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts (NACTA)—concluded successfully.
The event attracted enthusiastic participation from PolyU students and staff, alumni, and cultural enthusiasts from outside the university. The aim was to build a bridge connecting the PolyU community to the core of traditional Chinese aesthetics through close artistic engagement.
Four Styles, One Stage: A "Passport" for Opera Beginners
On-site, instructors from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts delivered engaging and accessible explanations, instantly bridging the gap between traditional art and the PolyU community. Before each performance, the instructors shared fascinating trivia about Chinese opera, inviting the audience to step into the art with a sense of curiosity.
Five professional opera performers took the stage in turn, presenting classic excerpts from four major opera genres: Peking Opera, Kunqu, Shanxi Jinju, and Henan Quju. The audience, seated and rapt, felt as though they had traveled through time, immersing themselves in the unique charm of Chinese opera—a tradition known for its "expressive lyricism and awe-inspiring technical mastery."
Immersive Experience: PolyU Community Steps "Into the Role"
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the "Interactive Experience" segment. To transform PolyU students and alumni from mere "spectators" into "characters," a special on-stage experience was arranged.
Under the guidance of professional teachers, numerous students and staff eagerly took to the stage, handling traditional opera props and learning the basic body movements of opera. From the subtle shift of an eye to the precise freeze of a pose, participants gained a profound appreciation for the artistic discipline epitomized by the saying, "One minute on stage takes ten years of practice off stage." The air was filled with a blend of applause and laughter, reaching a crescendo of excitement.
Many participants expressed that this immersive interaction offered them a fresh perspective on traditional culture and deepened their appreciation for PolyU's diverse and inclusive cultural environment.
Cultural Heritage: Rooting Traditional Excellence in PolyU
Chinese opera is not merely a performing art; it is a historical memory and a cultural symbol of the Chinese nation. Looking ahead, PolyU will continue to organize a diverse range of cultural activities. These initiatives aim to help more students and staff strengthen their cultural confidence through artistic appreciation, ensuring that China's excellent traditional culture continues to flourish with new vitality in Hong Kong, a global metropolis.
