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Web celebs recruited in new project
Some of the best-known Internet stars in China, including Back Dorm Boys (Houshe Nansheng, pictured), Chopsticks Brothers (Kuaizi Xiongdi), Sister Fairy (Tianxian MM), and Sister Lotus (Furong Jiejie), have signed contracts with www.ku6.com, one of the most popular video sharing websites in China, to promote their original videos.
This is part of Ku6's "original video partner project", which plans to sign 1,100 Internet video creators or organizations to develop original Internet videos in China. As reward, the most popular video creators will receive some of the company's stock.
Experts signed for scriptwriting workshop
Janet Neipris, a professor of dramatic writing at New York University, and Richard Walter, professor and chairman of University of California's screenwriting program for the past 25 years, will meet Chinese scriptwriters in a workshop from April 26 to May 12 in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.
Five Chinese staff, including senior director Wu Tianming, will also join in the project. The class includes case studies of 15 films and courses concentrating on writing for commercial films, TV films and low-budget pictures.
Any writer who has had at least one work filmed and publicly screened can apply for the workshop before April 15 on the website of the Qujiang Film and TV Company. The workshop will recruit 50 applicants, while the big classroom in Xi'an Normal University also welcomes auditors.
It's the singing Olympics
Two years after the Beijing Olympic Games, the city of Shaoxing in Zhejiang province will hold the Sixth World Choir Games.
In 2010, Shaoxing will celebrate its 2,500th birthday. At the same time, the World Expo will be held in Shanghai, which is only 230 km away. The economically developed and ancient city of Shaoxing plans to use the World Choir Games to promote itself to the world.
Initiated by the Interkultur Foundation, a non-profit organization registered in Germany and with branches in 143 countries and regions, the Choir Olympiad is held every two years in different cities around the world.
With its more than 4,000 stone bridges, Shaoxing is called the "oriental Venice". Though a middle-sized city, it has 20 concert halls or theaters, and has hosted large-scale artistic events like the Seventh China Arts Festival and the Yueju Opera Art Festival.
Thousands of singers and musicians from about 80 countries around the world are expected to participate in the Choir Games. Aside from the 28 categories for medals and diplomas, the event will feature singing seminars and workshops.
Elderly art group presents show in London
The Chinese Elderly Art Group staged an eye-opening show at the Queen's Theater in central London on Sunday night, leaving audiences with a lot to marvel about.
"They are so beautiful and graceful," said a British social worker also in her 60s. "I can't believe what the papers said about China when seeing these people of my generation performing happily in such style," she added.
The visiting Chinese Elderly Art Group composed of people over 65 in age presented a colorful show mixing traditional Chinese culture with modern dance and music.
Catwalk shows and dances for ladies in their 60s and 70s as well as Sichuan face transfiguration, Chinese oboe solo and shadow show dance brought rounds of applause from the audience, who were stunned by the energy and artistic skills of the 40 plus Chinese performers. One can hardly believe performances by aged people could be so popular.
Formed five years ago, the Chinese Elderly Art Group has performed worldwide including Sydney, Melbourne and Paris. The group was brought together to champion values such as respect and support for the elderly, as well as promoting harmony between the generations.
The performance is part of the "China in London" cultural season.
China Daily-Xinhua
(China Daily 04/02/2008 page18)
