STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Sven Ankar, a former researcher in biology at the Stockholm University, was one of many who enjoyed the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular at Stockholm's Circus Theater on March 27th.
"It was a very nice show. I favored the dancing, but the acrobats were also very good to see," said Ankar of the Spectacular, which draws from China's rich 5,000-year history.
"We have seen [classical dance] in the past, but we can't tell the difference between the shows. But, of course today's show is very, very good."
The drumming acts, Drummers of the Tang Court and Victory Drums struck a chord with Ankar.
"The drumming…they were so exact, at the same time of all of them, and they were very skilful, also the sound, the rhythm. It was very good."
He added that the combination of Chinese and western music in the Spectacular "worked," and commented on the unique backdrops.
"It was very good with the big screen [backdrop] in the back. In some way it made it easier to follow and become part of the show. It was very good."
Mrs. Ankar said that the couple had seen the Beijing opera sometime around 1985.
"This is something very different, so one can't compare at all. I think one feels this show was produced in a western country and not in China. But it is interesting to learn more about ancient heroes. It's very interesting. But then, on the other hand, I think it's awful to hear about the actual situation in today's China."
Ankar said the Swedish people are curious about "the older culture, the philosophies," of China. We don't understand the old traditions, but also don't know much about China's modern culture."
He added that he would tell others about the show "because it's very good to hear and to see things a bit different than what you are used to, modern or classic dancing and also opera. We don't have access to…a show that more or less is a potpourri of different scenes."
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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