BRISBANE, Australia—Divine Performing Arts warmed the hearts of Australia's tropical capital, Brisbane, with the Queensland premier of the Chinese Spectacular on April 7, 2008.
Over 100 VIP guests, including politicians, diplomats, members of the arts community, and indigenous representatives celebrated the event at Brisbane's Convention Centre.
Brisbane's Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk spoke at the VIP function before the show, telling guests he had seen the show last year.
"I am sure you will be thrilled with the nature of it," he said, of the Chinese Spectacular. "It does add to the cultural flavour of our city."
Also among the VIP's were Federal MPs Graham Perret and Bruce Scott, Queensland Senator Mark Furner, and State MP Ian Rickuss.
"It's spectacular and it is bringing to us, in the 21st century, a living culture that dates back 5000 years," said the Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott.
"There is such a spectacular display of colour, a gentleness and skill that I was not aware of."
When asked what he would tell his friends about the show, he said: "If they get an opportunity to see the Spectacular they must make time, as I have."
Mr Scott said making time was no light task, as he had driven 600km to see the show.
Labor Senator Mark Furner said the Spectacular was "absolutely fantastic".
"I enjoyed the colours and the costumes, the backdrops, and I think the choreography was brilliant. I just thoroughly enjoyed it."
Rugby League legend Mal Meninga said he found the show "spectacular" and "thought-provoking".
Mr Meninga, famous for his goal scoring prowess as a player and now coach for Queensland's State of Origin team said: "I must confess, I don't know a lot about Chinese culture, but the music and dance—I just feel that it is spectacular. The costumes are fantastic, the dance is fantastic and it is a bit of an insight into 5000 years of Chinese history. It is quite enlightening."
Terry R de Gunten, owner and operator of Casablanca —Brisbane's best-known Brazilian night spot said he was not familiar with Chinese culture or performance art but was intrigued.
"It is interesting for expressing differences of opinion with the beauty of Chinese art incorporated in there," he said.
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/