Free Chinese opera performance Wednesday

Western Michigan University’s Confucius Institute will be hosting two free Chinese cultural events the last week of October, a film and lecture on Sunday, Oct. 25, and an opera performance on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Both events are open to the public free of charge.

Chinese film and lecture flier--House of Flying Daggers

Highlights of Classical Chinese Theatre flier--National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts

A film and lecture on Chinese films in the post-Mao era will be presented by Professor Dafeng Zhong, dean of the International College at the Beijing Film Academy, China, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25 in Western Michigan University’s Little Theater. Admission is free.

Zhong’s lecture will discuss changes in Chinese films during the reform period, with an emphasis on changes in family structure. The film “House of Flying Daggers” will be shown after the lecture, with a reception to follow.

Artists from the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts will perform “Highlights of Classical Chinese Theater”, which will showcase five vignettes from traditional Chinese opera from 7 to 9 p.m., Oct. 28 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Dale B. Lake Auditorium, Texas Township campus. Admission is free. Traditional Chinese opera is an ancient form of opera best known for its usage of elaborate costumes, intricately painted face masks, and unique singing style.

For more information, contact Jaime LeBlanc-Hadley, Confucius Institute: jaime.leblanc-hadley@wmich.edu