Newark Council President: ‘It was Fabulous’

NEWARK—Gongs and drums rang in the Year of the Ox at the “Chinese New Year Spectacular” held at Newark’s NJPAC theater on January 26. People of many ethnicities and backgrounds enjoyed Divine Performing Arts’ (DPA) production of dance and music inspired by China’s 5,000 years of culture.

Among the audience was Newark Council President Mildred Crump who said the show was “fabulous”.

“I get a chance to go to a lot of events obviously but this is one that will stick in my mind and I am really looking forward to next year. I want to see what they can do to top this. Really, it was great.”

During its 2009 world tour, DPA will play in some of the top theaters in over 80 cities around the world. With its colorful presentation of classical Chinese dance and unique orchestra that combines both Chinese and Western instruments, DPA often ends each show with standing ovations and rave reviews.

According to Ms. Crump, the show brought a rare chance to the audience.

“I’m certain that there were people in our audience that never expected to have the opportunity to be a part of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Ox. Also, to absorb a part of what the Chinese culture is really all about,” she said.

“Music is a universal language—it has no dialect. Even if you didn’t understand the words, you understood the passion and the feelings that were embodied in the music.”

In accordance with Chinese traditions, the performance goes beyond mere surface meanings and presents the values that acted as the foundation of the age-old culture. Ms. Crump said that one of her favorite things about the show was its inner meaning.

“I don’t think there was one segment or scene that didn’t have a message and that I found very interesting. There was nothing that was done for the sake of being performed—everything had a message and a purpose. That’s a good thing.”

She added that this “underscores and defines the purpose of what dance and music can do in the theater.”

Ms. Crump also said that she found the show to impart an of appreciation of life, regardless of the difficulties one might face.

“I would say that the final message is the one that will stick me—that life can be great and it can be good, in spite of its challenges, so go home and be happy,” she said.

The show continues in Newark with two shows on Tuesday Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

  Please see www.DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.