presents

Chinese Performing Arts Workshops

Traditional Peking Opera

In the summer of 2008, Little Pear Garden Collective is pleased to present Master Jiang Yanling and Master Sun Yuenchen from Beijing to introduce Traditional Chinese Operatic workshops. Peking Opera is the national treasure of Chinese Performing Arts for more than 200 years. They will be hosting various workshops for both beginners and Master classes for professionals!

** All workshops will be conducted in Mandarin with English interpretation.

Teacher's Bios:

Madam Jiang Yanling

Madam Jiang Yanling is a talented and well respected Peking opera artist specializing in Dao Ma Dan (the female warrior) roles. She was professionally trained at the renowned Jiangsu Province’s Peking Opera Academy for 7 years at an early age and was immediately recruited to be a principle actress with the Jiangsu Province’s Peking Opera Company. Over the years, she has won numerous prestigious awards in China for her various leading roles in repertoires such as Hongxian Stealing Box and Presenting Pearl at the Rainbow Bridge. Madam Jiang has toured extensively in China and performed internationally in both Austria and Canada. Some of her signature repertoires include: Warrior Wu, Stealing the Magic Herb, and Mulan. She is currently teaching at the Jiangsu Province’s Peking Opera Academy, training a new generation of professional Peking opera stars.

Mr Sun Yuanchen

Mr. Sun Yuanchen began his professional training in Peking opera in 1956. He studied at the renowned Peking Opera Academy in Beijing specializing in the role of Xiao Sheng (young male) role for 9 years. Mr. Sun has also won many prestigious awards in China for his principle roles in repertoires such as Legendary White Snake, Emperor Wood and Hero’s Club and has received both critical and audience acclaim for his dynamic performances. From 1982-1987, Mr. Sun has began teaching in addition to his performance engagements. He has performed extensively in China and now served as the principal and teacher of the well known Heibei Peking Opera School. This is the first time Mr. Sun has performed in Canada.

Workshops

1. Introduction to Peking Opera
Come and learn some exciting Peking Opera techniques of the most ancient Chinese art form. In this workshop, you will be able to learn the basic elements of the different roles in Peking Opera as well as basic singing, acting and dance techniques. (No experience required)

2. Theatrical Make-Up Techniques - Master Class
Come and learn how to apply traditional Peking Opera make-up taught exclusively from our two artists. The masters will teach you intricate make-up technique step-by-step. This workshop benefits those who are in theater, dance, visual arts and opera. (Please bring towel and mirror)

3. Acting Techniques - Master Class (Cancelled and combined into Dance Techniques)
Learn how to act different roles from our masters. You will be able to learn a few combinations of the 4 roles in Peking Opera. The masters will discuss the tricks to execute the differences in the roles and styles. This workshop will benefit those who have basic background training in theatre and acting.

4. Sword and Long Sleeve - Master Class
Learn basic elements of Sword and Long Sleeve combination from our two master artists, including basic gestures and position of Sword dance and Long sleeve techniques. This workshop will benefit those who have some background training in dance, martial arts and/or theatre.

5. Dance & Acting Techniques - Master Class
Experience our intensive dance training class by our two world renowned masters from Beijing! Dance refers to the body movements that require high performing skills. You will be able to learn a short intricate traditional Chinese Opera dance techniques in this class. This workshop will benefit those who have background training in dance, martial arts and/or theatre artists.

2 different locations:

Downtown Toronto:
Pia Bouman School for Ballet and Creative Movement
6 Noble Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 2C6 Tel: (416) 533-3706

Markham : (Tuesday 7pm class only)
Nancy Chiu Ballet Studio
28 Crown Steel Drive, Unit 9, Markham, Ontario L3R 9Y1 Tel: (905) 305-6150

Calender:

Hours	Monday, July 28	Tuesday, July 29	Wednesday, July 30
10am - 12 noon		2. Make-up Skills: Master Class Downtown Location	4. Sword & Long Sleeve Techniques: Master Class Downtown Location
1pm - 3pm		3. Acting Techniques: Cancelled Combined into Dance Class	5. Dance & Acting Techniques: Master Class Downtown Location
7pm - 9:30pm	1A. Introduction to Peking Opera Downtown Location	1A. Introduction to Peking Opera Cancelled

Cost:

Each workshop: $30
Take 2 or more workshops and get one FREE ticket to our Summer Dance and Opera Concert on August 3rd.
You must pick up your FREE tickets at the Workshops.

Registration:

Phone: 416.504.6429 ext. 21 Fax: 416.504.8702 Email: Slade@danceumbrella.net		Register by phone, fax or in person. If you have registered but will pay at the workshop, please arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. Or purchase tickets on-line through PayPal, print and bring the receipt to the Workshops.

For more information and registration, visit: www.littlepeargarden.com