BERLIN—Architect and energy consultant Gabriele Kuessner commented at the end of the Spectacular in Berlin that she thought the show had "poetic and emotional impressions of China which was something I was previously unaware of." When asked about her previous familiarity with Chinese culture, she said that her knowledge of anything related to China had been limited to what she had heard locally.
She liked the fan dances best and found them "poetic and gentle; the scenery creates a specific atmosphere that spoke to me." She was likewise impressed by the colors, "and the drums made a big impression but they in themselves are already quite powerful. But it was the delicate scenery in this huge theater that emitted a particular strength, which was the strength found in gentleness and I found this to be lyrical. Though I have certain personal connections with the Chinese people and their culture, nevertheless, they are rather stiff and formal. However, this show has inherent spiritual overtones which is something completely missing in present-day China.
"I am so glad that my grown children accompanied me. It gives us common ground to discuss globalization that sometimes blurs the differences amongst cultures. It is great to have each nation keep their roots alive."
Her daughter Almut was invited to the show as a gift for her 19th birthday and commented, "I liked the colors and about how Tibet was included [in the presentations]. The Tibetan women's dance with the fabrics was the best for me as the colors are particularly pleasing."
Dr. Cornelia Thiels, a psychiatric physician and professor of socialized medicine in Bielefeld, attended with the Kuessners.
She commented that, "Initially everything was a bit too noisy and too colorful, but as the show progressed, I liked it better and better—the backdrop scenery, the rice paddies in the background as soon as the traditional Chinese aspects came on stage. Afterwards, I liked the colors. Besides that, the first drummers before intermission kept me energized. I could not sit still as I was so taken in."
"One of the Tibetan dances was conceptualized according to present goings-on in Tibet. This means that the minorities were rightfully recognized which is something sorely missing in actual Chinese politics."
Finally she said, "I am glad to have seen this show and will think of several things I had witnessed here—I feel energized."
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/
Feeds