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

This article focuses on the development and evaluation of the Non-Verbal Expressivity (NVE) Unit, a structured drama pedagogy for Hong Kong secondary students inspired by codified movements from traditional Chinese opera. The NVE Unit integrates the FEHSIX features of picturization, codified gestures, spatial awareness, and action-speech integration across four lessons to systematically enhance students’ non-verbal expressivity, addressing gaps in predominantly western improvisation-based drama education. A pre-experimental study with 33 Secondary One students demonstrated significant improvements in non-verbal skills, confidence, and motivation, supported by quantitative assessments using the NVE Rubric and qualitative feedback from teachers and students. The study highlights the pedagogical potential of blending eastern codified techniques with western drama methods to enrich performance skills and cultural understanding, while noting the need for further research to validate and adapt the approach in diverse cultural contexts.