(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-05 07:32

Peking Opera should be taught by professionals who have a better knowledge of this traditional art form than ordinary teachers, says an article in Beijing News. The following is an excerpt:

With the opening of the new semester, Peking Opera became part of the music curriculum of primary and secondary schools in Beijing.

But schools are facing a difficult task teaching this art form as they lack qualified teachers. Among the current crop of music teachers few understand Peking Opera. But the problem can be solved.

Schools can recruit teachers from professional opera schools, performers, and piaoyou, or Peking Opera fans.

We are sure if schools open their doors to these people, they would be more than willing to help out.

Peking Opera faces the risk of being totally forgotten by the younger generation, so these professionals can cultivate more young audiences. This could solve the difficulties of the education authorities to a large extent.

It is good the education authorities have introduced a pilot Peking Opera teaching program in schools, but they have come under a lot of public criticism. The arias they recommended are mainly from yangbanxi, or model Peking Opera during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

People have reason to believe it may be a decision by people who have little knowledge about this opera.

The teaching of Peking Opera to children should not be left to ordinary music teachers. The participation of professionals is beneficial to widening the knowledge of children to this ancient art form.

(China Daily 03/05/2008 page9)