On the afternoon of March 13, Wang Jin, a national first-class actress from the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre and a member of the China Theatre Association, was invited to deliver the aesthetic education lecture on the theme of “The Beauty of Dan Roles in Kunqu Opera” at Beihang’s Sunrise Concert Hall, attracting over 700 students. The lecture was hosted by Song Zehui, Deputy Director of Beihang Aesthetic Education Center.
Wang Jin once received the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award, and was renowned as the leading actress in the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre. In the lecture, she revealed the enchantment and performance art of Dan (female roles) in Kunqu. She showcased various aspects of the Dan roles performance, including body movements, gestures, eye expressions, vocal styles, and emotional communications, through rich examples and personal interpretations. She emphasized that the performance of Dan roles requires not only exquisite skills but also a profound cultural foundation as well as a deep understanding of the characters.
Before the lecture, Shen Xukun, Director of the Center and Dean of the School of New Media Art and Design, along with Wang Qun, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School, and Zhang Fang, Vice Chairman of the Labor Union of Beihang, warmly interacted with Wang Jin and presented her with special souvenirs.
During the lecture, Wang Jin discussed with the students and invited them to the stage to learn different movements of Dan roles. Each of her demonstrations conveyed the elegance of the traditional opera. As the lecture reached its climax, Wang Jin passionately sang, enabling everyone to get a glimpse of the charm of Kunqu opera.
After the lecture, students exchanged their ideas with Wang Jin enthusiastically.
Kunqu, as one of the important genres of traditional Chinese opera, especially its Dan roles, is known for its delicacy and gracefulness, embodying the essence of Chinese classical aesthetics. Through this lecture, the students are able to better understand and appreciate Chinese traditional culture, which contributes to the preservation and inheritance of invaluable Chinese cultural heritage.
Written by: Wu Chenyu, Gao Rui
Reviewed by: Wang Qun
Edited by: Jia Aiping
Translated by: Han Xu
