AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Leo and Emily Clarke, a British couple, saw the Chinese Spectacular at Auckland's Aotea Theatre on Friday evening April 18.
Formerly a hotelier in Britain and now living in New Zealand, Mr Clarke says they hadn't had much of an opportunity to look at Chinese culture and this was the first Chinese show they'd seen.
The Clarkes now spend half their year in Britain and the other half in New Zealand. While living in Britain, Mr Clarke felt that Chinese culture has existed behind "a very closed door or big red brick wall". Though the couple has been very interested in Chinese culture, they know very little about it.
"It's most interesting to us and we are finding now... especially in New Zealand, not so much in England, [there are] more opportunities to experience Chinese ways and Chinese culture, which is good for the world."
When asked what he had learned from the show, Mr Clarke said: "I think tonight we noticed a tremendous energy... I go away with impressions [of] the fantastic colours and costumes."
Mrs Clarke thought the Chinese Spectacular lived up to its name. "The whole of the show—the girls, the pianist, the singers and even the scenery behind it—was totally all-round [a] spectacular evening." She particularly enjoyed 'Drummers of the Tang Court' and 'Victory Drums'.
Mrs Clarke also liked the music of the Chinese Spectacular. She felt that it represented China. She especially liked the erhu, a two-stringed Chinese instrument, and admired the dancers and piano accompanist Peijong Hsieh.
Mr Clarke's comment on the erhu was: "To the Western ear, it is [a] very different sound. I find it very appealing, very appealing."
The dance titled 'Water Sleeves' particularly impressed Mr Clarke. "The way they made water form with silk, that was a great part of the show." He also thought the drum finale was fantastic. "So, altogether a wonderful show and we'll certainly make a big effort to come again."
The couple plan to visit China next year for a holiday. Mrs Clarke added: "I think China will be a great, great country one day."
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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