From: Barbea Williams [mailto:dancebmw@cox.net]
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2014 8:43 AM
Subject: Zheng He in the Desert
Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
1288 W. River Rd | Tucson, AZ 85704
www.tucsonchinese.org | (520) 292-6900
Contact: Robin Blackwood FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
520-401-6214
TUCSON CHINESE CELEBRATE MID AUTUMN WITH MULTICULTURAL HISTORY
Teams with Barbea Williams Performing Company on an original dance drama
On September 5th and 6th, the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center will celebrate its annual mid-Autumn Festival with a never-before-seen dance drama about Zheng He, a Ming Dynasty sea captain who traveled to Africa and beyond 70 years before the voyages of Columbus. A collaboration with Barbea Williams Performing Company, the multimedia work includes a 14-foot-tall giraffe puppet crafted by local artist Mykl Wells.
Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He sailed giant Treasure Ships throughout the southern oceans, visiting the countries of southern Asia and the east coast of Africa, trading and engaging in diplomacy. This story will be dramatically told in African and Chinese art forms. Shaolin Master Junming Zhao performs the lead role of Zheng He, ably supported by performers of Tucson Sino Martial Arts. Youth performers from multiple cultures are also featured, including the debut of a new form of the ever-popular Lion Dance. Drumming, dialog, puppets, colorful scenery, dance, a celebration of maps, all combine to create a dynamic and innovative performance and celebration. Even the audience will be invited to participate in the final procession, carrying lanterns made before the show.
This drama is a perfect subject for the Autumn Moon Festival. At this time, Chinese all over the world watch the harvest moon and dream of home. The ancient mariners would have done the same. The piece will be staged outdoors, under the autumn moon.
The festival will include lantern-making, calligraphy, and all the usual activities. A selection of African and Chinese foods, along with traditional moon cakes, will be available for sale.
Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for students. Festival begins at 6 PM; performance at 7:30. Location is 1288 W. River Road, Tucson, 85704. For information, contact 520-292-6900 or www.tucsonchinese.org.
“Zheng He in the Desert” is made possible in part by a PLACE grant from Tucson Pima Arts Council. Mid-Autumn Festival is made possible in part by a Festival Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
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