China entertainers mesmerise Tobago opera audienceBy Yohanseh Asukile Monday, March 18 2013
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The 'Changing Faces' act mesmerised and delighted the audience. ...
Last Saturday evening the Zhejiang Opera Troupe performed what is known as ‘Wu Opera’ at the Mason Hall Secondary School in Tobago.
In front of a full auditorium, which included resident Chinese, the troupe performed a number of acts “Cadence of Bawu Drum”; Drama Dance “Carry The Bridal Sedan Chair”; with Zhao Weihua on the flute.
Zhejiang Opera Troupe which was founded in 1956, has now become a well-known entertainment group in China and abroad. There are many other kinds of Operas in China, Like Beijing Opera, and the particular kind of opera performed by this troupe is called Wu Opera, which is the second major theatrical genre in Zhejiang Province of China with a history of more than 400 years.
Secretary for Community Development and Culture in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Dr Denise Tsoi-a-Fatt-Angus warmly extended greetings to the Zhejiang Opera Troupe and noted “the bilateral relationship between the People’s Republic of China and Trinidad and Tobago has been growing steadily within recent years. That relationship initially based on history has extended to technical cooperation, trade, training and cultural collaboration. The Chinese culture, like the Tobago culture is steeped in tradition, with every achievement celebrated in grandeur.”
Dr Tsoi-a-Fatt-Angus noted that while history has shown that culture can, and has been used as a divisive tool causing mayhem and destruction, it has conversely shown that culture has and should be used as a celebratory tool to construct, unite and strengthen shared values. That was the element which identifies us as a people, she said. “This evening, while we will be fortunate to enjoy expressions of stateliness and grace which are synonymous with Chinese cultural performances, we also have the opportunity to engage in dialogue where the cultures of both China and Tobago can be promoted through cultural discussions, exchange, training and support” Dr Tsoi-a-Fatt-Angus stated.
She added, “I believe that a great and lasting relationship can be created by closing in our cultural divide and because of this I look forward to the realisation that the shores of China are not really that far from the shores of Tobago” Dr Tsoi-a-Fatt-Angus said.
In past years, Zhejiang Opera Troupe has visited Cuba, Singapore, Romania and other countries all over the world, and won high praise from all circles with its unique artistic style and refined stage expression.
Zhejiang Opera Troupe will be in Trinidad and Tobago until March 20.
