Traditional, modern opera showcased in Chinese cultural event

CEBU, Philippines — In an effort to strengthen relations between Cebu and the People’s Republic of China, the “Chinese Cultural Courier @ the Philippines” event was mounted October 26 at the Centerstage theater of SM Seaside Cebu with performances from the Zhejiang Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera Art Center.

“The performers combined the traditional and the modern elements so you can see a modern China through these kinds of performances. Audiences get a glimpse of Chinese culture, both traditional and modern times,” Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu Zhang Zhen told The FREEMAN.

Whether it was through expressive opera singing or extraordinary movements, the cultural showcase event was nothing short of colorful – in some instances, transporting the audience back to how the Chinese enjoyed these performances.

It also gave a glimpse of what today’s China looks like through two numbers: the “Slow Voice”  and “Wuija Slope” which had one singer render a modern Chinese pop ballad,  while another sang it opera style. It drove home the point that despite China’s modernization, it has not abandoned its cultural roots.

There was also a bit of romance, such as in “The Peony Pavillion Dream” where two lovers meet each other in a dream. Written in 1598 and originally performed in a garden where it is set, this particular piece continues to be a hit among Chinese audiences. Even those who may not understand the language can truly feel the chemistry between the two performers.

“Sanchakou”, meanwhile, served up action-packed scenes. Here, a stranger and a shop owner battle each other in an intense sword fight.  Another action-oriented performance was the final piece “The Monkey King”, which Zhen noticed became an immediate crowd favorite that evening.

“The performers traveled a long way from my hometown of Zhejiang province to be here with us. These people are hardworking and talented,” Zhen said in her opening remarks. “We share the same guts to chase our dreams, living and thriving here together. We both belong to the Asian community…shared history and a shared future.”

More cultural exchanges?

Since its launch last year with eight performances in Manila, the Chinese embassy decided to bring the cultural event to Cebu to expand its relationship with the Philippines and strengthen its ties in the regions.

“We aim to implement the important consensus between the two heads-of-state and further promote people-to-people exchanges in different regions of the two countries,” His Excellency Huang Xilan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in the Philippines, said in his recorded video message.

He added, “It opens another window for the Filipino people to understand the Chinese culture and perceive modern China. Walking out of Manila means the ‘Chinese Cultural Courtier @ the Philippines’ is reaching its branch out of the local areas of the Philippines and will take root in the provinces.”

Zhen observed that the Chinese and the Cebuanos share the same values, stating that “we are open-minded, warm-hearted, and always kind to strangers. We love peace and harmony. These are the common aspirants as we always seek for common prosperity.”

She hopes that there will be more cultural exchanges in Cebu in the near future in cooperation with local organizers. She also welcomed the idea of bringing Sinulog performers to China.

“I am looking for more joint work together with the Cebuanos. Maybe the Cebuanos can have their shows in China, while the Chinese can come here to Cebu to show their culture so we can have two sides together exchanging cultures, which would be beneficial for both people so we can learn from each other and promote mutual understanding between us,” Zhen said. — (FREEMAN)