Ms. Cen Fengping and Mr. Huang Yuming
Performance by troupe of artistes from China
Arranged by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: October 11, 2006
Posted: October 13, 2006
It was an interesting sight to witness so many persons of Chinese descent gathered at one place to partake in a festivity that commemorated their arrival and presence in Trinidad and Tobago. In fact, the Queen's Hall venue, which was filled to capacity, was virtually transformed into a Chinese village with a few visitors in between; that is, persons of other races there to witness the Chinese perform their ancient culture.
Mr. Jonny Chow introduced the Lion Dancing that was about to be performed. This type of dancing, according to Mr. Chow, is not only performed in formal ceremonies in China, but also brings welcome and blessings to the average population.
Many oohed and aahed at the dance as the lion hopped from pillar to pillar very daringly and dexterously across the stage. This type of dance, which might have only been seen on television sets by some, was seen up close by many which added another element of excitement to the performance.
Mr. Bernard Aquing then addressed the audience on behalf of the Chinese Bicentennial Committee. He recognized key figures in the audience such as the Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Senator the Honourable, Joan Yuille-Williams and the Chinese High Commissioner. Also, on behalf of Dr. David Picou, he thanked the Chinese Embassy for bringing in a troupe from China to be present to partake of the festivities. Mr. Aquing further remarked that this celebration marks a milestone for the Chinese and national communities. He also admired the fact that despite the late advertising, tickets were sold out within two hours, but stated that better needed to be done to ensure that better is done in the future. He also made known his wish for cultural centers in Port of Spain and San Fernando and ended by wishing for good weather for the following day's boat race.
Vice Minister of the Office of the Chinese overseas, Mr. Zhang Xiaoran, Editor-in-Chief in the Venezuela office of Xinhua News Agency, (whose speech was interpreted by Ms. Wang), extended warm praises to those who have been involved in these celebrations. He stated that the friendship between China and Trinidad and Tobago is based on a long-standing historical link that ties the two countries together and that our current relationship is one of mutual reciprocity where both countries work and develop successfully. The Chinese, according to him, are hardworking people and have worked arduously to build the country.
Senator Joan Yuille-Williams also had a brief contribution at the celebration. She intimated that the Chinese Bicentennial Anniversary was a day for people of Chinese descent and the whole nation to celebrate, because according to her, all the races present have made the journey to the twin-island state. She added that the Chinese are not only known for their delicious cuisine, their work ethic and their affinity to business but as evident by the past week, they are also adept in the arts. She said that it was a pleasure to walk down Charlotte Street and the close of Carifesta with the dragon display showing the rest of the Caribbean part of our diverse culture.
Lastly, Mrs. Yuille-Williams, on behalf of the government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, extended greetings to the Chinese troupe, the members of the Chinese Bicentennial Committee and all those of Chinese descent in Trinidad and Tobago and stated that she looks forward to a center for the performing arts in Port of Spain and San Fernando in the shortest possible time.
After the formalities, the programme moved right along to the Chinese art performances hosted by internationally renowned Chinese star, Miss Jing Qi. Miss Qi, before introducing the peformers, rendered two songs to the audience. Although the lyrics to her songs, "The Five Star Red Flag" and "I Love You China" were foreign to some in the audience, her beautiful voice and deep emotion in her songs were felt by all.
Her lovely performance was followed by a martial arts presentation by Gan Lei and Liu Jun who demonstrated the Taiqi Fist and the Fist of the Southern School.
Following this were instrumental selections on the pipa instrument by Ms. Gu Beibei. This instrument is native of China and is very important in Chinese culture. It is very similar to the mandolin but with a wider range scale and looks like a huge raindrop which mimics the sound of the wind and ocean. Her selections of the night were: "Give Me One Rose", played to a modern main beat, "The Certain Thunder" and "The Ambushing" which was played without musical accompaniment.
Also giving heartfelt performances were Mr. Huang Yuming and Ms. Cen Fengping. They performed the songs, "Princess Changping", "The Separate Swallows" and "Love from a Million Miles."
Other performances included a second martial arts demonstration by Gan Lei and Liu Jun, Chinese songs by Ms. Wang Jun and then by Mr. Tang Biao and comedy skits by twins Liu Quanli and Liu Quanhe which had the audience in laughter.
Although the night was successful, it would have been nice to see local Chinese from Trinidad perform.
Chinese Art Performance in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=93052
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