Two professional Chinese classical theatre performers, Ms. Yanyan Zhang and Mr. Xudong Zhang, will conduct a master class/acting workshop at DRM220 (Comparative Theatre Histories). The workshop will offer hands-on experience with the body language in Chinese classical theatre acting. We will learn some of the most basic movements and sequences which require the coordination of eyes, fingers, hands, arms, legs, feet, and the torso.

This workshop offers 10 spots for students at the CDTPS. Register by emailing Xing Fan at stars.fan@utoronto.ca.

No requirement for previous exposure to Chinese classical theatre. Please wear loose-fitting pants and socks. 

This workshop is part of the CDTPS Performance Masterclass Series. 

About the instructors

Yanyan Zhang is an acclaimed theatre artist. She is a graduate from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts (NACTA), which is recognized as the cradle nurturing Chinese theatre talents. Before immigrating to Canada, Ms. Zhang served as a leading performer at the National Beijing Opera Company in China. Her role-type specializations include huadan (young lively female), daomadan (dignified military female), and qingyi (refined female). Ms. Zhang has been dedicated to promoting Chinese classical theatre at the Greater Toronto Area.

Xudong Zhang has decades of rigorous training in Beijing opera and performed intensively with professional troupes in China before immigrating to Canada. He specializes in laosheng roles (older dignified male). Mr. Zhang has been dedicated to promoting Chinese classical theatre in Canada.