A renaissance of traditional Chinese culture is emerging with the Western U.S. Falun Dafa Association and New Tang Dynasty Television presenting Divine Performing Arts’ (DPA’s) Chinese New Year
Spectacular in Southern California as it embarks on its 2009 global tour.
Divine Performing Arts’ productions have grown by leaps and bounds. In its inaugural 2006-2007 season, the company performed for some 200,000 people. In 2007-2008, the number swelled to 600,000.
“[When the show began], we thought we had something unique and special,” said Chris Lee, director of the Los Angeles show. “We didn’t foresee such success. Now the show has proven that true art has no boundaries. Divine Performing Arts is leading a new renaissance.”
The Spectacular presents a showcase of more than 100 vocalists, dancers and musicians as it recreates 5,000 years of ancient Chinese culture for modern audiences. Performances include large-scale classical Chinese dance, Chinese folk dance, instrumental and vocal ensembles, as well as an enthralling erhu (Chinese violin) solo.
Weaving a story of heavenly realms, enchanting dreams and the classic struggle between good and evil, the show’s pageantry evokes themes of virtue, compassion and courage, which have lain at the heart of China’s culture since antiquity. Story-based dances portray topics ranging from ancient tales of valor to modern-day epics, such as that of Falun Dafa.
Following the tragic erosion of traditional Chinese culture under decades of communist rule, New York-based Divine Performing Arts endeavors to rediscover a lost artistic and cultural heritage. “While the show has grown, its mission remains the same: to demonstrate and revive China’s righteous culture that evokes humanity and compassion,” said Mei Zhou, one of the emcees for the 2009 tour. “The show is grand, elegant, sophisticated and spectacular, simple and clean,” she added.
The Chinese New Year Spectacular will perform this holiday season in Los Angeles at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 East Green Street, December 30—January 4, and at the San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, December 26—28. For more information, visit www.Divineshows.com, or call (800) 817-7116 for Los Angeles and (888) 973-7469 for San Diego.
Ticket prices range from $35 to $188 for shows in Los Angeles and $30 to $200 for shows in San Diego. For shows in Los Angeles, tickets may be purchased online at www.LAspectacular.com or by phoning Ticketmaster, (213) 365-3500. For shows in San Diego, tickets may be purchased online at www.SDspectacular.org or by phoning Ticketmaster, (619) 570-1100.
