A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Stylised Performance: Traditional Chinese Training Methods in Drama Education

This study investigates the application and effectiveness of stylised performance training in cross-cultural drama education, focusing on how symbolic body language conveys emotions and character intent. Originating from the symbolic system of traditional Chinese theatre, stylised performance training has been adapted in this study to address the unique demands of cross-cultural theatre, enabling students from diverse cultural backgrounds to achieve emotional resonance and cohesive character portrayal. This adaptation includes structured symbolic movements designed to facilitate non-verbal communication and overcome language and cultural barriers. The 16-week experiment on stylised performance training was conducted with performing arts students from six cultural backgrounds, employing participatory action research and dynamic feedback to monitor changes in participants' emotional expression and adaptation to symbolic movements. The training progressed in three phases: Basic Training to master foundational gestures, Emotional Integration to synchronise emotion with movement, and Applied Practice to rehearse within cross-cultural contexts. Findings indicate that participants enhanced their confidence and fluency in non-verbal emotional expression, effectively conveying complex emotions across cultural barriers. Observations and interviews confirm that stylised performance training facilitates cross-cultural emotional resonance and reduces reliance on verbal expression. Supported by Pavis's "intercultural theatre" theory and Mead's symbolic interactionism, this study highlights stylised training's potential to expand expressive adaptability across diverse cultural settings, providing valuable pathways for cross-cultural drama education.