WASHINGTON—Mr. Grajales had seen cultural shows on TV in the past, but never live productions like the Divine Performing Arts (DPA) show based on Chinese traditional culture.
“It was overwhelming in the sense that seeing this show for the first time made me become exposed to new emotions that I never felt before,” he said.
Mr. Grajales is sensitive to culture as he works in culturally related programs and the Nicaraguan community for the city of Alexandria.
He liked learning about Chinese culture, saying, “I learned about the culture, the humbleness, [and] the traditions. So, it was truly beautiful.
“Some [scenes] show about believing in people that told prophecies that no one believed until [the prophecies] happen; after that they believe in them.”
Mr. Grajales was referring to an item on the DPA program about an unorthodox, eccentric monk, named Ji Gong, who warns a village of an impending rockslide, and how only one person will take him seriously. When the unlikely event occurs, the inhabitants wake up and realize how close they came to disaster.
He also noted a common theme in Chinese history of learning to respect elders and “respect for the way of living of other people.”
When asked if he will come to see DPA next year, he replied: “Definitely! And I will recommend it to my friends.”
Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more information
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