PUFFIN WEST TALKS TO THE CHINA DAILY USA NEWSPAPER ABOUT A GRANT AWARD IT HAVE TO THE DC BEAUTY OF BEIJING OPERA which is a not for profit in Washington D.C. This form of traditional Chinese theatre combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. It was created in the 18th century. The goal of this group is to enhance the public awareness of the philosophy of harmonious society. The following is an excerpt from the article http://www.dcbeijingopera.org
By HUA SHENGDUN
in Washington
Given Washington’s cultural web of museums, art galleries and sold out concerts, some longtime residents might
think they’ve seen it all. But one lesser-known art form has emerged that Western audiences in particular are widely
unacquainted with — Peking Opera. “This is one of the most beautiful and elegant performing arts, and should be appre-
ciated by as many people as possible,” said Cynthia Yung, one of the founding members of DC Beauty of Beijing Opera
Ltd (DCBBO). The DCBBO hosted this year’s opera gala at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring,
Maryland, on April 23. The organization was founded three years ago by five Peking Opera enthusiasts,with the goal of
promoting the traditional Chinese theater in the eastern US. In particular, “we wanted to reach a non-Chinese audience
to help them understand what Peking Opera is and let them know how to appreciate this unique performing art,” said
Yung.
“The best part is that this high art shares stories about human emotions that we come to learn are universal, and in this case exceptionally dressed. It makes the world more connected and beautiful,” said Java Kitrick, president of the Puffin Foundation West, a partner of DCBBO. DCBBO has reached 2,000 Chinese and non-Chinese audiences across the US over
the past three years, spreading knowledge of the performing art as well as Chinese culture. “Pursuit of beautiful things is human nature, regardless of where you are from,” said Louisa Huang, president of DCBBO. “Beijing Opera is all about beauty — in performers’
movement, singing and acting on stage.” This unique window to ancient China is a beauty to behold. The cultural significance
of the art alone makes it worth an introduction to Westerners, and DCBBO is a step in the right direction.
“What DC opera has been able to do is spin a golden thread back through time that was essentially lost and lasso it not only for us to see
in our time but in a different place,” said Kitrick. “It’s us fighting extinction in a wonderful way.”
Allan Fong in Washington
contributed to the story.
