TAMPERE, Finland—The Chinese Spectacular, performed by the New York-based Divine Performing Arts company, which brings scenes from ancient Chinese culture to the stage, draws people from many different backgrounds at every performance—in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Today, Kirsi Ylinen, a Finish freelance scenographer, theater costume and set designer with her own Web site, didn't want to miss this much-talked-about show at the Tampere Hall of Tampere, Finland.
Ms. Ylinen was impressed with the costumers worn by the performers and said, "I especially liked the costumes because I design theater costumes for dance shows and other performances."
The Chinese Spectacular costumes are very different from what generally is seen on stage in Finland, or for that matter, in all countries of this region. She said, "We are not used to these colors in Finland, including the sleeves and the fans. Such bright colors! In Finland we don't have such vivid colors."
Lisbeth Haelikkae, a former dancer and present dance instructor and choreographer, also with her own Web site, joined the conversation.
Ms. Haelikkae also has an eye for colors and designs. After seeing the vibrant costume colors worn by the dancers, she said, "I'm especially interested in the bright colors. In Finland, costumes worn on stage are usually so demure. They lack such vibrant colors and the glitter. Performers here also don't know how to project the movements with long sleeves and hanging silks that are part of the entire movements. Dresses [in Europe] are so much more modest." When asked about her favorite scene, she couldn't single one out. She liked the drummers in "Drummers of the Tang Court" and "Victory Drums," but turned the conversation back to the costumes: "The material is very different from what we see in Europe. The dyeing [of the fabrics] is very nice. The color weaves back and forth very smoothly."
Commenting on what she had seen in the show, she mentioned "a very light atmosphere," as well as "the victory of good over evil."
"The clothes and the dances were splendid," she said. "Everything just looked great. Before the show, we were wondering where the amazing lighting that you used on stage was. The clothes and dances looked marvelous, and the dancers were very professional."
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.BestChineseShows.com
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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