Integrating codified techniques from Chinese opera into drama education: A pre-experimental study on enhancing non-verbal expressivity in Hong Kong schools

Drama education in Hong Kong has predominantly adopted western pedagogies, emphasizing improvisation and emotional authenticity. However, these approaches often lack a systematic framework for teaching non-verbal expressivity, leaving novice students struggling to develop these essential skills. This study addresses this gap by introducing the Non-Verbal Expressivity (NVE) Unit, a structured pedagogy inspired by the codified movements of traditional Chinese opera. Codified gestures, spatial awareness and repetitive practice from Chinese opera were adapted into four progressive lessons designed to improve students’ non-verbal expressivity. The effectiveness of the NVE Unit was evaluated through a pre-experimental study involving 33 Secondary One students in Hong Kong. Using the NVE Rubric, alongside lesson observations, teacher interviews and student feedback, the study revealed significant improvements in students’ non-verbal expressivity. Quantitative results demonstrated medium to large effect sizes across all thirteen evaluation items, with students progressing from basic gestures to creating dynamic stage pictures. Teachers observed increased confidence and motivation among weaker students, while stronger students refined their performances and explored advanced techniques. This study highlights the potential of bridging eastern and western pedagogies to enrich drama education. By integrating the structured and disciplined training methods of Chinese opera with the improvisational creativity of western approaches, the NVE Unit provides a culturally meaningful and practical method for teaching non-verbal expressivity. While the findings are promising, further research is needed to validate the unit’s effectiveness in diverse cultural contexts and refine its application in varying educational settings.