Reviews
Eevent
Everlasting impression
Those who haven't visited the Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang can admire the summit through Zhang Yimou's Impression of Lijiang, the latest of the famous director's Impressions serial to promote tourist destinations through cultural performances. Ocean Butterflies Music has just released a DVD of the stage performance along with a CD of its soundtrack. Since the show premiered on July 23 last year, it has been performed for some 100,000 visitors from both home and abroad.
The CD collates 14 songs composed by Zhang Lei based on the folk melodies of the Naxi, Mosuo and other ethnic groups of Lijiang, Southeast China's Yunnan Province. Zhang has composed music for several of Zhang Yimou's productions, including the Chinese performance at the closing ceremony of 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
The DVD features part of the show, scenic views of Lijiang and Yulong Snow Mountain and a behind-the-scenes look at how the show was produced. The project at Lijiang involves more than 500 locals from 16 villages of 10 ethnic groups who perform the show regularly in a valley of Yulong Snow Mountain. Last Thursday, highlights of the show were performed at Beijing's Poly Theater to promote the DVD and CD.
Because Zhang Yimou is busy working on the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he has put on hold his work on the Impressions serial. "I wish my team and I could present an impressive opening ceremony," he said. "Actually, I have drawn inspirations (for the ceremony) from the Impression serial live shows."
Chen Jie
Stage
Kid's TV spectacular
Colorful Clothing of Love, a fantastic children's drama about "happiness, giving and sharing", will highlight this year's CCTV Children's Day spectacular tonight.
The story involves a magician who conjures gifts for children and a panda from the Kingdom of Why. The panda wears a colorful dress, which belongs to the Phoenix Queen ruling the kingdom. Then, three spirits emerge, saying that if the Queen can't take back the magical dress before sunset, the kingdom will collapse. So, the magician and the panda embark on an adventure to save the kingdom.
Presented by the China Puppet Art Company and art troupes from Sichuan, Hunan and Hebei provinces, the play is a song and dance extravaganza featuring magical tricks, kungfu stunts, acrobatics, puppet plays and cartoons.
Several hosts and hostesses from CCTV Children's Channel will play the main roles. Song Zuying, a famous singer who became a mother recently, and Kong Lingqi, a hip-hop idol, will also perform as special guests.
Lin Qi
Art
Powerful genre
Founded by eminent artist Liu Wenxi, the Loess Plateau Painting School will celebrate its 50th anniversary in June.
When the genre emerged in China's contemporary art community, it was characterized by its rich and colorful portrayal of the culture and folklore of the Loess Plateau. Many pieces depict people's lives and spirits, such as Mao Zedong in Yan'an and Four Generations. Others portray the glorious landscapes of Northwest China, such as Son of the Snow Mountain.
Born in 1933 in Zhejiang Province, Liu Wenxi became famous for depicting leaders among the people. He has held many exhibitions with his wife Chen Guangjian both at home and abroad. His most important paintings include Chairman Mao and the Shepherd, The Orient and the portrait of Mao on the fifth edition of the Renminbi currency.
The exhibition will showcase Liu's recent painting of Deng Xiaoping standing among Chinese children (pictured).
LQ
(China Daily 06/01/2007 page20)
