PRAGUE, Czech Republic—A city famous for its architecture, culture and music, Prague is currently hosting the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular, showcasing the rich history, arts and dynasties of China.
Jiri Bilisek, a banker who attended Tuesday's show at the Prague Congress center, spoke of his impressions.
"If I go to theater it is classic opera or classic drama. So this is completely different, and the difference is interesting."
He especially enjoyed the Mongolian Bowl Dance and the energetic Victory Drums.
"I am not a specialist in Chinese culture right now, but I would say that these two were basically based on Chinese folkore. It was not prepared artificially just for the purpose of this show."
Jitka Stiles, a food microbiologist currently on maternity leave, said she learned about Chinese history from the show.
"Very educational, I learned a lot about Chinese history. I think that it was a good idea that there were people giving us an introduction about each act.
"I have read some things about China, because my husband and I and our three children are going to move there in July, so that is why we are here."
Stiles added that she found the Spectacular "very interesting and touching at times. I liked the way the pointed out some of the Chinese problems, there were two acts that I would say are touching and sad. Very nice"
Keith Crawford and Sarka Kopryvova also attended Tuesday's show. Crawford especially enjoyed the two-stringed erhu, known for its wide range of notes and mellow, haunting sound.
"I have had exposure to Chinese culture before and I just love the way they move. The two-stringed instrument was amazing. The general way everything in the show moved, the long sleeves and things like that — much different from Western movements, very feminine."
Kopryvova noted that the audience was unusually receptive to the Spectacular.
"Usually Czech audiences are very cold, but by the way they reacted today, I think that they liked it very much."
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit: http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
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