Job Discussion Forums

[ITCjohn]

I had this idea that I'd like to get my Speaking class to perform a play. If possible, something about Chinese youth in contemporary China with about 20 roles for students. Has anyone had experience doing this in China, or know of suitable material?

Love to get any feedback,

Thanks,

John

[tarzaninchina]

Instead of doing a whole-class thing, try Aesop's fables in smaller groups. Or do the equivalent with some Chinese tales. A Christmas Pageant might work, but with so little time for prep....

[ITCjohn]

Thanks, Tarzan, some good ideas. I'm planning on doing it next semester (Feb~July), so plenty of prep time.

[Joachim]

What about "Fanshen"?? (kidding)

An English play about Chinese youth in comntemporary China??, Good luck, but I seriously doubt you'll find anything!. Go for something perverse or different - Caryl Churchill, Amanda Stuart et al. Make them think!

[Newbs]

Based on my experience there is some good news if you want to put on a play in China. The students are brilliant at learning their lines. I'm talking 24 hour turn around here. Okay, they might not know what they're saying, so you have to work on intonation, emphasis, etc. but the first bit is easy.

[Roger]

This kind of question has been dealt with here previously: i therefore repeat my suggestion from before: HAROLD PINTER.
Easy to adapt to China, and relatively easy for them to understand and to memorise.

[ITCjohn]

Thanks, Roger. I thought it would be more meaningful for the students, if the play was set in China and written by a Chinese, then translated into English. Something like these perhaps:

http://www.wku.edu/~yuanh/China/drama.htm

[ChinaMovieMagic]

Recently on CCTV's Dialogue show, the guest was Xiamen U's Prof. Ji Yuhua, discussing his "Sandwich Stories" English-learning approach, using Story-telling/Role Play w/kids. He can be a useful resource for Plays for your university.

Let me/us know what sprouts. Much thanks for that URL on Chinese Drama.