Of Barriers and Transits: An Initial Study of Peking Opera’s First Presentations in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses the first Peking Opera presentations in Brazil, in 1956. Traveling from the then-recently founded People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Art Troupe demonstrated the country’s diplomatic efforts to obtain international recognition and was enthusiastically welcomed by Brazilian audiences. After presenting the peculiar immediate reception of the touring company, we argue that although Chinese scenic conventions and aesthetics failed to be properly understood by local spectators and no apparent substantial exchanges between the highly diverse cultures of China and Brazil were reached, this episode should not be disregarded. Neglected by both Brazilian and Chinese theatrical historiographies, the incident begs to be analyzed anew. Using transcultural communications theories, we investigate this encounter to inquire what each different side shared, transgressed, and transcended.