Peking Opera on Class Center Stage

The image of a huge cartoon monkey, wearing a bright red Peking Opera mask, is projected on a school classroom wall behind a plump young man, making soft gestures with his not-so-slim fingers.

The unexpected visitor, a traditional Peking Opera character, causes the 30 students to erupt with excitement.

Ma Yu's drawing class differs from others thanks to the use of videos projected on the wall. The moving images feature Peking Opera stunts, delicate costumes, legendary Chinese figures and complicated weapons. To boost the mood, background music of clanging drums is added.

"I like painting colors on the masks of different Peking Opera figures like the Monkey King," says Wang Jinghao, an 11-year-old boy, closely following the antics of the monkey making faces on the screen.

Fascinated by Peking Opera from the age of 12, Ma discovered a way to share his passion with students at the Nanluoguxiang Primary School - one of the last alley, or hutong, schools in Beijing.

"Peking Opera reflects the unique aesthetic view of the East: implicit, profound and symbolic. The kids should know something about it," says Ma, 33.

Ma was unaware the Ministry of Education launched a pilot program in late February to introduce Peking Opera into 20 elementary and middle schools in 10 provinces. The program teaches 15 arias with the aim of revitalizing traditional Chinese culture.

"Why music courses? There are many other ways to teach children about Peking Opera," Ma says. "A drawing course is also a good option."

Peking Opera is a synthesis of music, dance, art and acrobatics and is regarded as a Chinese cultural treasure.

The ministry's plan is being questioned by some, who believe the course will further burden busy students.

Ministry spokesman Wang Xuming says the opera classes are not compulsory nationwide. They are pilot programs implemented in some schools from March to July.

Wu Jiang selected the 15 arias. "The plan is not aimed to foster Peking Opera artists or fans," says Wu, also the China National Peking Opera Theater president. "It just opens a door to children, giving them a chance to develop interests in traditional culture. (Xinhua/Shanghai Daily )