A recent performance of the classic Peking Opera “Farewell My Concubine” in Shanghai has captured national attention. Its star was “Scholar 01”, China’s first humanoid robot. Dressed in the elaborate costume of the tragic hero Xiang Yu, it performed alongside human actor Wang Yuchen, moving its arms and shifting its gaze in time with the music. This groundbreaking fusion of ancient art and cutting-edge technology has sparked intense public debate.

For many, the event was fascinating and “full of futuristic charm”. Supporters see it as a creative way to revitalize traditional art. Director Yu Xiang explained that the robot’s precision offers a new way to interpret Peking Opera’s stylized movements. More importantly, the innovation is successfully attracting young audiences. Performance clips became popular on social media, with teenagers suddenly discussing face-painting styles they had never noticed before. Surveys indicate that over 67% of young Chinese believe such collaborations can breathe new life into traditional opera.

However, admiration is not the only reaction. The performance also drew sharp criticism. Skeptics (怀疑者) question whether this is genuine artistic progress or merely technological spectacle. They argue that a robot, while mechanically precise, cannot convey the emotional depth essential to Peking Opera — the quiver (颤抖) in a voice, the meaningful pause, the unspoken connection with the audience. Some also worry about robots crowding out opportunities for human performers.

Educators like the robot’s creator Li Qingdu see practical value, suggesting such technology could lower the learning threshold (门槛) for beginners. Yet even supporters emphasize that robots should complement, not replace, human artists.

Ultimately, the Shanghai experiment serves as a thoughtful meditation on balance. It demonstrates that technology can enrich traditional arts and attract new interest, but should not come at the cost of the human soul and emotional intelligence that define Peking Opera. The future of ancient arts depends on carefully navigating innovation and preservation.

1.1. What made the Peking Opera performance nationally noticed?

A The classic plot.

B The human performer.

C The musical accompaniment.

D The robot participant.

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第一段的“A recent performance of the classic Peking Opera ‘Farewell My Concubine’ in Shanghai has captured national attention. Its star was ‘Scholar 01,’ China’s first humanoid robot.” 可知，上海这次京剧表演的主要焦点是使用了人形机器人作为表演者。故选D。

2.2. What can we infer from the popularity of performance clips on social media?

A Traditional Peking Opera is no longer popular.

B The robot has completely replaced human actors.

C The innovation attracts youth’s interest in Peking Opera.

D Social media only promotes modern art forms.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。根据第二段的 “Performance clips became popular on social media, with teenagers suddenly discussing face - painting styles they had never noticed before. Surveys indicate that over 67% of young Chinese believe such collaborations can breathe new life into traditional opera.” 可知，表演片段在社交媒体上很受欢迎，青少年开始讨论以前从未注意到的脸谱风格，且大部分中国年轻人认为这种合作能为传统戏剧注入新活力，由此可推断出这种创新吸引了年轻人对京剧的兴趣。A 选项与原文中京剧表演受关注相悖；B 选项 “completely replaced” 过于绝对，原文强调机器人应补充而非取代人类艺术家；D 选项 “only promotes modern art forms” 在文中无依据。故选 C。

3.3. Why do some people criticize the use of robots in Peking Opera?

A They think robots are too expensive.

B They believe robots lack the emotional depth.

C They worry robots will damage the stage equipment.

D They are afraid that robots will change the plot.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第三段的“Skeptics question whether this is genuine artistic progress or merely technological spectacle. They argue that a robot, while mechanically precise, cannot convey the emotional depth essential to Peking Opera—the quiver in a voice, the meaningful pause, the unspoken connection with the audience.” 可知，一些人批评在京剧表演中使用机器人是因为他们认为机器人虽然动作精确，但缺乏人类表演者的情感深度。A 选项机器人使用成本高、C 选项担心损坏舞台设备和 D 选项害怕改变京剧剧情在文中均未提及。故选 B。

4.4. What is the author’s attitude towards the combination of technology and traditional Peking Opera?

A Totally opposed.

B Strongly supportive.

C Optimistic but cautious.

D Indifferent.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。根据最后一段的 “Ultimately, the Shanghai experiment serves as a thoughtful meditation on balance. It demonstrates that technology can enrich traditional arts and attract new interest, but should not come at the cost of the human soul and emotional intelligence that define Peking Opera. The future of ancient arts depends on carefully navigating innovation and preservation.” 可知，作者认为这次上海的实验体现了对平衡的思考，科技能丰富传统艺术并吸引新兴趣，但不能以牺牲京剧所定义的人类灵魂和情商为代价，古代艺术的未来取决于谨慎地在创新和保护之间找到平衡。由此可推断出，作者的态度是乐观但谨慎的。A 选项完全反对、B 选项强烈支持和 D 选项漠不关心均不符合文意。故选 C。