February 7, 2009

(Clearwisdom.net) In the second of six shows at Seoul's Universal Arts Center on Friday, Divine Performing Arts (DPA) International Company wowed the audience with its unique presentation of Chinese traditional culture.

Poet and author Mr. Soo-Hong Leem, who is also president of the Korean National Treasure Literati Association, was highly impressed with the depth and wealth of China's long history and culture as portrayed by DPA.

"We usually write about the solemn and stirring memories of Korea's history, but after seeing today's show, I find myself elevated and seeing what truly should belong to mankind," Mr. Leem said.

"The performance's content is so rich. I am absolutely deeply touched. This performance conveyed a spiritual message that's beyond everything that I have learned. Chinese culture is passed down from above. I was really struck. It makes me wonder if we have such art in Korea. DPA's level is so high--it'd be so nice if Korea had this kind of art."

He said the piece, "The Monkey King Triumphs," brought back pleasant memories for him.

"I only know a little about Chinese culture, but through the show I have a stronger sense of it. For example, the story of the Monkey King--I've been familiar with it since elementary school. Although I was very young, my father had already bought me the book. When I saw 'The Monkey King Triumphs' in the show, I was like, 'Ah! the story can also be told on stage.' That moment really took me back to my childhood. I really like that feeling."

A Buddhist, Leem said that he started to think of the show was "something sacred" the moment the Buddhas appeared in one of the pieces during the first half.

"All the programs were wonderful, especially when the main Buddha appeared. It was very moving because it reflects what I believe."

He also noted the yin/yang balance in the show, saying, "The performance as a whole has male and females dancers one after another. It is a nice balance between ying and yang. Actually, it is splendid."

Mr. Leem said the DPA performance helped him view things differently regarding the impact of the current global financial downturn on his business.

"The financial crisis at the end of this past year affected my business. The situation still isn't too good right now. Back then all I ever considered were materialistic things. However, after watching DPA, you experience things that are beyond materialism and sense the spirituality. So all that pain from before didn't seem to matter anymore. This performance holds such power. The programs contain great potential. You can feel that there is rich content embedded within."

He said that earlier that day he had gotten angry at one of his employees, but after seeing the show he felt calm.

"This morning when one of my employees made a mistake, I reamed him out. Right now, my heart seems to be in heaven, it's very calm. I never expected the level of this performance to be this high."

Mr. Leem said that five people from Japan have received Nobel Prizes in Literature, yet none from Korea. He added that he hopes to gain literary inspiration from DPA.

"We read more books than most people, but to me, this whole production is so new. I want to experience this more often. ... I often go to shows, but this show has art, songs, etc. It is a very holistic performance. Particularly for us writers, we need to see many things, and broadening our minds allows us to be better writers."

As he walked toward the exit, Leem headed straight for the box office, planning to return to see the show again before the end of its run at the Universal Arts Center.

Source http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/11636/