(共16张PPT)
Unit 1
UNIT 1
PEOPLE OF ACHIEVEMENT
To use strategies to guess the content of the video
To talk about how Mei Lanfang become a legend in the art of Beijing Opera
What kind of opera is it
What is the name of this opera
Who is the most famous opera actor
The Four Greatest Masters of Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera is the treasure of Chinese culture. Mei Lanfang, Cheng Yanqiu, Shang Xiaoyun, and Xun Huisheng are recognized as the four greatest artists of Beijing Opera. Among them, Mei Lanfang is acknowledged to be the symbol of China's performing art. During his stage career, he created many lively and unforgettable artistic images. He dedicated his whole life to the art. He is undoubtedly the pride of China.
中国京剧四大名旦
京剧是中国文化的瑰宝。梅兰芳、程砚秋、尚小云和荀慧生被合称为京剧四大名旦。其中，梅兰芳被公认为是中国表演艺术的代表。在他的舞台生涯中，他塑造了许多生动且令人难以忘怀的艺术形象。他把一生都献给了艺术。毫无疑问他是中国的骄傲。
Mei Lanfang was one of the most prominent Beijing Opera artists in the international world. He studied opera when he was eight, and began to perform on the stage when he was eleven. In his more than 50 years of performing, Mei created and developed many acting phases, such as singing, reading, dancing, music, costumes, and make-up, all of which helped him form his own style. In 1919, Mei led the opera troupe to Japan, which was the first time that China introduced the art of Beijing opera overseas. In 1930, Mei Lanfang led a troupe to the United States and gained great success and significant recognition. In 1934, he was invited to visit Europe, and was given much attention by the European opera world. Later, other places in the world considered Beijing Opera as the performing school of China.
Mei Lanfang: Great Artist, Cultural Ambassador
Mei Lanfang is still known today as one of the masters of Beijing Opera. He played a key role in bringing Beijing Opera to the world, leading to the international status and recognition that it has today. Mei Lanfang is still widely remembered for his skill, his kindness, and his deep love for his country.
Try to match the time phrases with the events in Mei Lanfang’s life.
1. at age 8
2. in his 20s
3. in1919
4. after eight years of attempts
5. over 50 years on stage
6. in 1961
7. in 1894
A. born in Beijing
B. succeeded in taking Beijing Opera to the USA
C. died of heart disease
D developed a style called the “Mei Lanfang School”
E began to travel and perform abroad
F started to learn Beijing Opera
G. became known internationally for his acting skill
BEFORE YOU WATCH
Check your answers in Before You Watch.
WHILE YOU WATCH
1. at age 8
2. in his 20s
3. in1919
4. after eight years of attempts
5. over 50 years on stage
6. in 1961
7. in 1894
A. born in Beijing
B. succeeded in taking Beijing Opera to the USA
C. died of heart disease
D developed a style called the “Mei Lanfang School”
E began to travel and perform abroad
F started to learn Beijing Opera
G. became known internationally for his acting skill
Complete the sentences.
1 The great Indian author Rabindranath Tagore ___________________________ about Mei Lanfang.
2 In the USA, many fans __________________________ after the performances to shake his hand.
3 Mei Lanfang brought Beijing Opera abroad so that more people could _________________________________ of Chinese culture and art.
4 When Japanese troops invaded China, Mei Lanfang ________________________________________________.
was inspired to write a poem
stood in long queues
understand and appreciate the beauty
refused to do any performances for their entertainment
1. How did Mei Lanfang become a legend in the art of Beijing Opera
Discuss these questions in groups.
AFTER YOU WATCH
Because of his great acting skill and because he took traditions from the past and adapted the best parts to create new and enrich old forms of Beijing Opera.
2. Why is Mei Lanfang greatly loved by so many people
3. Who else can you think of that has committed himself/ herself to the development of China's art or music culture
Because of his great kindness to all people and his deep love for his country.
There are many people who have committed themselves to the development of China's art and music culture. One person I admire is Qi Baishi, a great traditional Chinese painter, who was most famous for painting simple and small things like shrimps, fish, flowers, etc.
Discuss the questions with your partner then present your ideas to the class.
