Légende DSC_0127 : Classical harpist Chantal Thomas d’Hoste was enchanted by the show. (Michal Neeman/The Epoch Times)
PARIS—Internationally renowned sculptor Yaakov Agam attended this past Saturday’s performance of the Chinese Spectacular , accompanied by harpist Chantal Thomas d’Hoste and painter Yehuda Neiman.
The three artists loved the Spectacular . Agam said, “I liked the show very much. I find that it shows the grandeur of China, a vast country with a great culture.” As an artist and sculptor, he appreciated the visual aspect of the show. “I also liked the design and the screen treatment featuring the magnificent backgrounds. It was very well done!”
The famous sculptor, who also loved the costumes, admitted having learned much about Chinese culture thanks to the show, especially about its influence throughout the East. “I really liked the costumes. I discovered that they are of an even more extreme finesse than Japanese costumes. It’s the same for the movements. Actually I learned tonight that all the movements that we see in Asian dances, for example, in the Philippines or Malaysia, come from Chinese dance.”
The couple especially appreciated the first opening piece where everything conspired to create a magical sentiment.
His companion, classical harpist Chantal Thomas d’Hoste, was equally enchanted by the show: “I loved the show, the colors, the beauty, the elegance, from all aspects: visual and musical.”
She said, “It was truly a good discovery! It’s the first time I’ve seen a Chinese show, and I was surprised in the best sense. I was fascinated! And the dancing is astonishing. I am discovering with fascination what classical Chinese dance is. It’s an astonishing mix of classical and acrobatics, it’s very complete.”
Painter Yehuda Neiman made a few discoveries as well. He said, “China is the only place I still have not visited in the Orient. I was in Korea and Japan, and found their dances to be very influenced by Chinese culture.”
The painter also appreciated the design. “As an artist, I found the designs the most interesting. I have never seen such design: the large screen, the lighting and the costumes, it’s very professional and unique. These are 10- or 12-meter high screens on which one can see the landscape or clouds. One has the impression of entering the image. It’s extraordinary. The mix of the images and the dancing is very well done.”
Chantal Thomas d’Hoste also appreciated the depth of the show. She said, “There is a very clear message in the lyrics: the questions about life, why are we here? What are we doing on this planet? We come back here and we only change the place and scenery because it’s always the same. I find that there is great depth behind this seeming outward appearance and yet, precisely, it is not only just an appearance.”
At the end of the show, Yaakov Agam met the show’s host Leeshai Lemish, who is also from Israel. He expressed his admiration for Chinese culture and the host’s linguistic abilities. The latter said that during his childhood his family and he always would go see the sculptor’s famous works, in particular, a sculpture featuring fire and water. Lemish told him about the five elements in Chinese culture: fire, water, wood, metal, and earth. According to Chinese tradition, all matter is composed of these five elements. Buddhist and Taoist monks believe that through meditation and cultivation of the body, they can transcend these elements.
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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