英语随口聊：The Role of Operas 戏曲的作用

英语自学网

　　B: In the traditional Chinese society, opera was used as vehicles to spread
knowledge and ethical teachings. Most operas were based on historical events,
fore clown or classical novels. They promoted traditional values and moral
principles such as punishing the evil and eulogizing the good, loyalty and
kindness and denunciation of ungraceful. Operas were able to fill the gaps of
education and teaching , especially in the agricultural society.
        　　A: Opera fans were like today's popular music fans. They enjoy singing in
an arena.
        　　B: The dominant Emperor Cixi in the Qing Dynasty was a super opera fan. She
often had opera troops perform for her in her court. This is why Beijing opera
overtook all other operas and became national entertainment. It was said the
emperors were deeply influenced by the teachings of the operas. Especially those
who relating to gratitude.
        　　A: I know she would pardon anyone to whom she thought in dated regardless
any mistakes.
        　　B: That's right. Some of her stories even suggests that when she engaged
the boxes to fight against the Westerners. She was under the illusion they were
invisible. She got the notion from the operas they could not be heard by
bullets. Of course, she was wrong. And the boxes were quickly defeated by the
Westerners.
        　　A: Well, if emperors had so much influence on the danger operas I think it
would be even more so on ordinary people. Seems Beijing opera is no longer as
popular as it was. Does it still have influence on people?
        　　B: Now, it is TV. Since every household has a TV. Its influence should not
be underestimated. There was a popular Korean TV drama not long ago which
captivated the audience by its costumes and food. As a result, some studios in
Beijing began taking photo portraits in Korean costumes and some restaurants
introduce similar Korean food.
        　　A: Now, I understand why the government discourages TV house from imitating
Hongkong and Taiwan accents. It also explains why TV stations are forbidden for
every programs about dottery and other ethical topics.
        　　B: That's great, China has been experiencing in any increasingly high
divaricates where dottery is decided as the main reason