Children celebrate eastern culture (From Wiltshire Times)

Children celebrate eastern culture

9:59am Monday 18th February 2008 in News By Benjamin Parkes

SCHOOL children in Trowbridge have been exploring the intricacies of Chinese opera.

The far eastern culture is extremely complex and performers communicate with the audience using a range of different subtle techniques.

The Grove Primary School, in Hazel Grove, Trowbridge, has established links with schools in China thanks to the work of its headteacher Alastair Ponsford.

As part of a week-long series of special lessons to mark the Chinese New Year, the pupils at the Grove have been taking part in a series of workshops with The London Jing Kun Opera Association.

They run a not-for-profit society set up in March 2002 to support and promote the learning, appreciation of Chinese opera.

In the art form face painting and percussion play a part in sending messages to the audience so the pupils at The Grove have been working in groups to paint each other's faces and try their hand with percussion instruments.

Mr Ponsford said: "There were nine sessions throughout the day and the children have been learning that red face paint stands for bravery among other things.

"They are really picking up the different messages and how they are communicated. It's very subtle and the children respond well to it.

"We have had an excellent week marking the Chinese New Year with a range of activities and we hope to build on our links with China in the future."