United States: Audience Members in Newark, New Jersey Enjoy the Performance and Extend High Praise

Divine Performing Arts (DPA) Touring Company gave its third show in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on January 27th. Audience members were taken in by the beauty of the show.

Among the audience was Ed Black, a musician, who plays the violin and French horn in an orchestra. This orchestra has played in a variety of theatres and also plays on the beach, for thousands of people. His impression of the show was: "The costumes, the dancing, the images on the projection screens - they are gorgeous...beautiful." He mentioned that some of his students had gotten him tickets to come to the show, and he excitedly said: "It is beautiful. Oh, it is beautiful!"

The message Ed received from the show was: "Goodness eventually wins out...there is a lot of suffering that we have to go through in life, but eventually it comes out."

Ed mentioned that this was his first time seeing the show, but that it would not be the last time.

Gustavo Chavez is a journalist from Clifton, New Jersey, and a Peruvian citizen. When he was asked about his impression of the show, he commented: "I was transported to [ancient] China. I know a little bit of China and the history of China and I always liked it as a child."

He continued to say: "I am Peruvian and in my country, about thirty years ago, we saw movies from China. From the fighters, the dynasties and after that the history. Also of the war between Japan and China and the invasion of France and England. This is the first time I have seen cultural folklore...this group knows what kind of colour to use, how to express themselves about what they want to show and how to show this to the people that are here."

He mentioned that one of his favourite piece was the last one about the Tang dynasty, which showed the strength of the people, such as the army of that time. He also liked the dance of the spring and he found it very beautiful.

Todd Reichart, a theatre actor, had performed in New York City. His reaction to the show was: "Visually wonderful! My favourite part, I told the women sitting next to me, was the drumming that we just saw. It's very powerful, it goes right into you. It was beautiful."

He added, "I think the show is extremely hopeful."

He commented that he really would like to come to the show again in the future and will recommend the show to other people, telling them: "What you will be experiencing is a visually beautiful piece with stylist traditional forms of dance." He explained that although it is a different culture, its still gives one the feeling of the "good old days."