As an international school, HWA International School is committed to providing students with ample opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. Recently, the school chose Sichuan Face Changing as the theme for its Chinese culture class and organized a series of creative and engaging activities. Through these activities, students not only learned about the history of Sichuan Face Changing and the symbolism of the facial masks, but also had hands-on experiences with mask painting and performing posture, enriching their understanding of Chinese culture.
Historical Exploration: The first part of the activities involved studying the history of Sichuan Face Changing. Students learned about this important component of traditional Chinese opera through audio-visual materials and explanations. Teachers introduced the origin, development, and significance of Sichuan Face Changing in the Sichuan region, sparking strong interest among the students.
Symbolism of Facial Masks: After gaining an understanding of the history of Sichuan Face Changing, students began to study the facial masks used in this art form. Facial masks are not only a core element of Sichuan Face Changing, but also important symbols of characters in traditional Chinese opera. In this segment, students learned about the meanings and symbolism behind different colors of facial masks, as well as the characteristics and traits represented by various masks. This deepened their appreciation for the significance of facial masks and enhanced their understanding of traditional Chinese opera.
Performing Posture: To allow students to experience Sichuan Face Changing more fully, professional performing artists were invited to demonstrate the skills involved. These artists showcased the clever transformations of their facial expressions and instructed students on correct posture and body movements. Through brief practical exercises, students gained a better understanding of the techniques and artistry of Sichuan Face Changing and developed a strong interest in theatrical performance.
Mask Painting Experience: The final activity was a mask painting experience. The school provided painting materials and guidance, allowing students to participate in the process of creating their own facial masks. As they learned the painting techniques of facial masks, students immersed themselves in the joy of artistic creation. This activity not only nurtured their creativity and appreciation of art, but also deepened their understanding and respect for facial masks.
Through the Sichuan Face Changing activities organized by HWA International School in its Chinese culture class, students were able to gain a comprehensive understanding and experience of traditional Chinese culture. These activities not only increased students’ interest and knowledge of traditional Chinese opera, but also cultivated their appreciation and creativity in the arts. HWA International School will continue to organize such distinctive cultural activities to provide students with more opportunities for learning and experiencing, enabling them to become global thinkers and appreciators of diverse cultures.
