The self-discipline of the Beijing Opera.

Self-discipline. Yet another key to understanding and demonstrating respect. The most difficult, the least popular element of respect. Yet absolutely essential.

Consider the discipline and training of Beijing Opera performers.

The Beijing (or Peking) Opera is a long-held Chinese cultural tradition that focuses primarily on colorfully costumed performers who utilize the skills of speech, song, dance, and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive, rather than realistic.

Becoming a Beijing opera performer requires a long and arduous apprenticeship beginning from an early age. Prior to the 20th century, pupils were often handpicked at a young age by a teacher and trained for seven years on contract from the child's parents. Since the teacher fully provided for the pupil during this period, the student accrued a debt to his master that was later repaid through performance earnings. After 1911, training took place in more formally organized schools. Students at these schools rose as early as five o'clock in the morning for exercises. Daytime was spent learning the skills of acting and combat, and senior students performed in outside theaters in the evening. If they made any mistakes during such performances, the entire group was beaten with bamboo canes. Schools with less harsh training methods began to appear in 1930, but all schools were closed down between 1931 and 1952.

Performers are first trained in acrobatics, followed by singing and gestures. Students previously trained exclusively in the art of performance, but modern opera schools now include academic studies as well. Teachers assess the qualifications of each student and assign them roles as primary, secondary, or tertiary characters accordingly. Students with little acting talent often become Beijing opera musicians. They may also serve as the supporting cast of foot soldiers, attendants, and servants that is present in every Beijing opera troupe.

A professor of mine at CWU has studied Beijing Opera training programs first hand and reports that the focus and discipline of these young performers is amazing. And when you see the result of these years of training on the stage, the effect is awe-inspiring.

Well, of course it is. When you cannot control yourself, your actions, the words you say and when you say them...if you let bad habits, carelessness, laziness become you, you disrespect yourself. And when you disrespect yourself, it is impossible to respect others.

Though I do not propose as rigorous a training regimen, I am looking for students who are capable of bringing powerfully disciplined work to the stage here at J.L. Mann. Without question, it will be those individuals that demonstrate self-discipline—work hard, study, ask questions, rehearse-rehearse-rehearse, learn their lines, keep their bodies in performance shape—who earn the right to have the most challenging roles, the most exciting on-stage (or backstage!) opportunities.