Colourful celebration of China National Day

Opera and folk music in fiery fuchsia, and gentle fluid movements in cool pastels, and a grand finale in gilded golden robes provided a sumptuous feast for the senses as the China National Opera and Dance Theatre delivered an awe-inspiring performance on Wednesday, September 28, at the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA).

Billed as their one-time-only public performance in Jamaica, the troupe was in town to celebrate the Chinese National Day holiday by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, which brought the theatre show to the island in cooperation with the CBA.

Under the expertise of artistic director Cheng Tao and performance supervision by Liu Xiang and Zhang Lei, the troupe had also performed privately at the Embassy's China National Day reception the previous evening at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

This year, China celebrates the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a commemoration observed by Chinese communities worldwide.

PERFORMANCES

Opening the show were female members of the group performing Spirit of Water, where dancers moved in rhythmic harmony, imitating the movement of water in sparkling blue and silver costumes.

Male and female dancers Liu Xin and Luo Xi exhibited the softer side of theatre in a warm embrace called Tender Love Under The Moon, while solo performer Yang Wen Na played Grapes Harvest on the erhu - a two-stringed, traditional Chinese instrument played with a bow, like a violin.

Resplendent golden robes closed the presentation with Drunken Concubine, as an enthralled full-capacity audience showed their appreciation with warm applause.