(Clearwisdom.net) Divine Performing Arts of New York's Chinese Spectacular was recently staged in Taipei, where it attracted people from diverse walks of life, and even had fans traveling from Hong Kong, hoping to catch this remarkable experience.
The audience enjoying the show
An attentive audience at the Taipei performance
After the show, many in the audience shared rave reviews and stated that the performers were clearly very professional and hardworking. People commented favorably on the wonderful stage operation, the fine music and stage design, and the profound content that inspires kindness and upright moral values. The following are some of the impressions shared by the audience.
Former Dean of National Taiwan University: I Felt the Meaning and Vitality of the Actors
On March 17, the former Dean at the Art and Literature School of National Taiwan University, Professor Peng Jingxi and his wife Professor Xia Yansheng, formerly of the English Department of National Chengchi University, came to share this cultural and artistic feast together. Professor Peng Jingxi is well-known for his translations of the works of William Shakespeare. Besides serving as Dean of the Art and Literature School, he also held the positions of Director of the Foreign Language Department, and Director of the Drama Department. In 1988, he was awarded a major prize for his translations of Liang Shiqiu's poetry and prose.
Professor Peng Jingxi and his wife, Professor Xia Yansheng
Professor Peng Jingxi feels that in today's world, "Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance" are very important principles, which can help improve human morality. He said, "I am a Christian and I feel that this show is very magnificent and solemn."
Professor Peng believes that the reason this show reaches such a high standard is because it stems from traditional Chinese culture. He said that much of traditional culture has been ignored by Taiwanese society, and he feels that this is where Taiwan artists can learn from the Spectacular. Professor Peng also said that what most impressed him was the sincerity of the performers. He could feel the true meaning in each performance. Through dance and music, the performers demonstrated the vitality of life and spirit, and the profound content of the Chinese culture.
Mr. Peng's wife, Professor Xia Yansheng, used to teach in the Foreign Language Department of National Chengchi University. Ms. Xia believes that the DPA wisely melds belief with the beautiful and refined Chinese culture and presents it in a spectacular way. She said the performers use their heart and soul to demonstrate the beauty of this culture as well as the aspect of belief. Ms. Xia feels that this effort is worthy of recognition and should be emulated.
Ms. Xia also mentioned that she hopes the show will awaken people and thus allow justice to prevail. She believes that the hard work of the DPA will accomplish this end.
She said that the entire show was marvelous and magnificent. The dance, "Water Sleeves" was elegant and is of a style rarely seen. The dance, "Drummers of the Tang Court" fully displays men's masculinity in a stirring and uplifting performance.
Ms. Xia also said that she felt that the music and the dances matched perfectly, giving people a refreshed feeling. She said that the Spectacular is innovative and elegant, and along with the backdrops, everything was perfect!
Art Educator: The Show Helps to Promote Moral Education and is Worthy of Promoting
Mr. Qiu Yongfu, an art educator and a watercolor painter, has published a number of art education books. In recent years, he has been focusing on primary and secondary school textbooks and is participating in establishing educational policies.
Mr. Qiu Yongfu, an art educator and watercolor painter
Mr. Qiu Yongfu said that this is the first time he saw the DPA show and their promotion of Chinese culture. He commented that the fine costumes and music accomplished a good effect. He thinks that it is a good idea that the performance starts from the angle of promoting moral values by using stories and then continues to the traditional values and Buddhist concepts. He said that these subjects were handled very effectively.
Mr. Qiu places great importance on primary and secondary school education. He believes that by using the form of Chinese art and dances, the DPA is emphasizing moral values. He said that every performance was just the right length. He feels that the show's presentation of traditional arts, coupled with moral concepts, is worthy of promoting.
Mr. Qiu Yongfu said, "The first number, 'Descent of the Celestial Kings' uses modern technology for the backdrop, which creates a perfect scene. It felt real and as if Buddha is really here. Along with the music, it is very moving and impressive, very moving!"
Ms. Ye Qing, Opera Star, Admires the DPA Performers
Award winning opera star, the renowned Ye Qing, and Taiwan's former Minister of Internal Affairs, Zhang Boya came to enjoy the show on March 17th. They both complimented the show and said the DPA is truly admirable.
Renowned opera singer Ms. Ye Qing
Ye Qing comes from a well-known opera family. She won the Queensway Opera Award in 1988, 1990, and 1991. In 1993, she received the award for "Asia's most distinguished artist" from the New York Culture and Arts Bureau in the United States and the China Arts Association.
After the seeing the Spectacular, Ms. Ye said, "The presentation of the DPA performance and opera is different. We sing with posture and use dialogue to express the theme, whereas the DPA uses dance to present the content. It is very difficult to accomplish. We very much admire their show."
Deputy Secretary General of the National Cultural Association Deeply Moved by the "Risen Lotus Flower"
Ms. Chen Xiuhui, current Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese Cultural Association, came to the Taipei International Convention Center to enjoy the fifth show of the Chinese Spectacular.
Ms. Chen was very impressed by the whole show. She said that she rarely sees such a perfect combination of art, culture and technology. She felt that the stage was three-dimensional.
The dance, "The Risen Lotus Flower" moved her deeply. Ms. Chen believes that one has to pay a price for freedom, said that it is very important to tell the world what is happening.
