Peking Opera and Its Influence Peking Opera is a form of conventional Chinese theatre whose origin can be traced back to the late 18th Century.  In comparison to the other kinds of Chinese theatre that existed at that time, Peking Opera was a relatively new style of drama.  This theatre involved the combination of music, dance, and acrobatics that was presented in a lively and colorful way (Gao par, 1).  During this ancient times, dancers would perform Peking Opera at religious ceremonies and feudal lords’ festivals.  While Peking Opera emerged in the late 18th Century, it became completely developed and recognized by mid-19th Century.  Since its inception, Peking Opera has played a crucial role in sharing the Chinese culture across the globe.  Peking Opera conveys a national spiritual essence that is accompanied with elegance and beauty.  Peking Opera has developed to become a tool of transnationalism and acculturation through conveying a unique national spirit throughout the world.

Purpose of this Study

This study seeks to examine the development of Peking Opera and its global influence, particularly its social impact.  The researcher seeks to determine the social impact of Peking Opera on numerous foreigners who speak little Chinese and come from various cultural backgrounds.  Additionally, this study will help to highlight how Peking Opera is utilized as a tool to promote social, cultural, and psychological change between the Chinese culture and other cultures from across the world.  This evaluation is carried out on the premise that this unique form of traditional Chinese theatre continues to attract many foreign nationals at a time when young Chinese do not care about it.  In essence, the study will help in understanding the unique aspects of Peking Opera, which makes it attractive to foreigners and contributes to its global impact of transnationalism and acculturation.

Research Question

To achieve the purpose of this study, the researcher has developed a research question that will guide the research process.  The research question to be answered in this study is, “What is the social impact of Peking Opera throughout the world in relation to culture and/or identity?”

Research Design

This study primarily relies on exploration of existing literature, articles, and publications on this issue.  Exploration of existing literature is considered as a suitable method to help answer the research question and achieve the purpose of the study because the research issue is exploratory in nature.  Since Peking Opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre that has existed for centuries, it has attracted significant attention and been the subject of numerous studies and publication.  The issue has received considerable attention in publications/literature relating to culture, art, and music.  Therefore, a comprehensive review of existing studies and literature would help in determining its social impact and global influence as well as answering the research question.

Brief History of Peking Opera

Peking Opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre whose origin can be traced back to the late 18th Century (Gao par, 1).  Peking Opera, which is also known as Beijing Opera, emerged in 1790, the eighth birthday of the Qianlong Emperor.  Prior to the emergence of this form of Chinese theatre, the elite nobility preferred Kunqu Opera, which was renowned for its fine language and elegant music.  On the other hand, Chinese commoners enjoyed various regional popular theatre styles, which were dismissed by the elite.  The preference of Kunqu Opera by the Chinese elite and nobility changed in 1790 following the introduction of Peking Opera or Beijing Opera.  The new form of traditional Chinese theatre was introduced when four seasoned drama troupes from Anhui province visited the capital and performed in celebration of Qianlong’s birthday in the imperial court.  Following their performance, Peking Opera was birthed and the four troupes later became known as the four great Anhui companies.  These troupes dominated this traditional form of Chinese theatre for the next century.

During the initial years of Peking Opera, all actors were men while the roles of women were played by young boys (Gao par, 4).  Women were not...

The unique national essence and cultural component in turn becomes the basis for the overseas dissemination of the Peking or Beijing Opera.
The overseas dissemination of Peking Opera has in turn provided the basis of its social impact and global influence.  As this form of traditional Chinese theatre is shared worldwide, it becomes a tool of acculturation and transnationalism because foreigners are attracted to it.  This form of traditional Chinese theatre not…