Slice of China
Aravinda Hettiarachchi
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A Japanese folk dance Pictures by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa
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Who can combine folk dances, music, magic acts with Kung Fu, the
Chinese of course. They welcomed their new year, at Tower Hall Theatre
recently, with a bang. The event was a showcase for Chinese culture -
one of the richest cultures in the world.
The program opened with a man adorned with a mesmerizing costume and
magic mask that literally changed to the mood and will of the performer.
This was by far the star attraction.
The audience break into applause, as the actor behind the mask
revealed himself.
The stage lights turn gloomy, mirroring the melancholy mood of Lovers
by The River. An elegant male vocalist with an energetic voice entered
the stage, while the female vocalist entered from the opposite
direction, greeting the audience with "happy new year" in the middle of
the song.
 Chinese
language consists of more than 5000 dialects, supported by myriad
sub-cultures.
This event was only a slice of life in China, making it difficult to
deduce much about the 'real Chinese'.
 Yet
a few of the well trained Chinese performers faced this challenge with
perseverance and created a lasting picture of their culture on Lankan
stage.
Chinese flagship form of martial art - an act of Kung Fu was staged
to Euro-US percussion rhythms. This went beyond mere fighting
techniques, an almost modern sort of artistic dance. The group of well
trained Kung Fu professionals made it look so easy, that it reflected a
refined act of dancing.
This was replaced by the erotic dance of angelic Chinese women
dressed in glittery pink.
Although dancing to modern western music, there was still a Chinese
tinge lurking behind. However it did not totally reflect Chinese culture
nor did it do justice to it. The magic act that ensued ended all too
soon. The agility of the Chinese was exemplified in the acrobatic act
that followed. In the verge of peril, it indeed requires a certain
amount of courage just to not lose face.
The violin player manipulated his instrument to represent Chinese
music.
His discipline in playing should be highly appreciated, for it
required much focus.
The finale consisted of all the actors getting together in one major
martial arts act. It symbolised the prosperity of China. |
