The following is a speech given by Frank Tsai, Director of New Tang Dynasty Television’s Los Angeles branch. The speech was given at the VIP reception party following the afternoon show, on Jan. 2, 2009.
“Hi Everyone,
Thank you for attending the Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Spectacular, and I hope you enjoyed the show. My name is Frank Tsai, and I’m the Director of New Tang Dynasty Television Los Angeles. NTDTV is a co-sponsor of the performance, and we strongly believe in the cultural traditions and values presented in the show. I’d like to say a few words about New Tang Dynasty Television, our reasons for promoting the show, and why we feel performances like this are so important.
For those who are not familiar with New Tang Dynasty Television, we are an independent, nonprofit television broadcaster that was established in 2001. We are headquartered in New York City, broadcast our programs internationally, and currently have reporters and correspondents in over 70 cities worldwide. NTDTV is composed of a professional network of staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds who are knowledgeable about both Asian and Western societies.
Beyond our television programming, NTDTV has distinguished itself for its leading role in the promotion of Chinese traditional arts and culture. Every year the station organizes and sponsors a range of performances and competitions, including martial arts, ethnic Chinese fashion, culinary skills from traditional Chinese culture, as well as Western culture such as piano, violin, photography and figure painting. The Chinese New Year Spectacular is one of the main events that NTDTV is co-hosting.
Why are we supporting the show? I recall that before Christmas I went to Toy’s R’ Us to buy some gifts for my 4 year old son. I was browsing the aisles for an action figure that I thought he’d like, but to my surprise I found the shelves full of demon-like toys that were so scary and ugly. When I looked at these I realized immediately that there was just no way I could buy something like this for my son to play with. Later in the day I went to the mall and saw a lot of young people wearing T-Shirts with skull faces and demons on them, and I came to a deeper understanding of the way things are in our society.
I asked myself, ‘How is beauty recognized today? Do people now perceive ugliness for beauty? And what can I do to help restore the understanding of and appreciation for true beauty?’ As you’ve all seen, the show is truly beautiful. By promoting and supporting the Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Spectacular, the content and message of traditional culture can be reborn. In fact, the great wave and resurgence of culture has already begun, and we believe it’s important to take active steps to enrich the world around us.
Thank you.”
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Divine Performing Arts. For information about schedules and tickets, please visit the Divine Performing Arts website.
