OSAKA, Japan—Professor Shigihara, a well-known theater and music critic and professor at a Japanese university, was at Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka on Feb. 18 for Japan’s final performance of New York-based Divine Performing Arts (DPA) show. DPA’s mission is to rediscover and renew humanity’s true, rightful heritage capturing the essence of China’s 5,000-year-old traditional culture and bringing it into the present.
Mr. Shigihara enjoyed the show finding it a “unique and profound” experience.
“This theme is conveyed very clearly. The show revitalizes the Tang Dynasty as an ideal period in history. The visual effect was very powerful, and the dances were also extremely clear,” he said. Story-based dance is one of DPA trademarks. Such dances explore a range of themes from both the ancient and modern world.
He explained that the most popular shows in Japan are very people-friendly, and DPA possesses that standard. “Its methods are very good. With the latest and prominent reviews, the show carries the characteristic of the arts for the general public. It is a show that can bring joy to everyone.
“Although I’ve watched other shows that demonstrate Chinese traditions, it is my first time to see this kind of stage art with its new approach to reviving old traditions. It is retro, yet creative. From the allocation of roles to the dancers [to the orchestration and scenery], the show itself contains many characteristics of modern times.”
As a researcher of Western dance medium, Mr. Shigihara said, “Every dancer’s own technique level is already superb. The entire choreography is unique. There are many different combinations of dancers, and in each combination the dancers displayed a variety of techniques. The choreography brings rhythm and is a feast for the eyes.”
As a music critic, he said DPA “unfolded Chinese traditional music using modern orchestral instruments and Chinese folk instruments. This musical adaptation is extremely amazing and can be heard throughout the whole show. The arrangement of music is wonderful. Nobody will find disharmony anywhere in the music. The music is enjoyable for the general public, although it’s not popular music.
“For Asian people, the tunes are catchy, and the use of folk instruments makes the rhythms really steady and calming. I think it is a great achievement for them to do this so well.”
The costumes, like other elements of the show, delighted him. “The color designs are very successful. The colors express typical Chinese characteristics, such as humbleness and honesty. They are quite suitable for oriental mindsets, creating a resonance for Asian people. The stage costumes of DPA are gorgeous and colorful, yet they are not profligate, excessive, or arrogant. They perfectly synchronize with conventional Oriental feelings.”
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour.
For more information, please see DivinePerformingArts.org
Mr. Shigihara enjoyed the show finding it a “unique and profound” experience.
“This theme is conveyed very clearly. The show revitalizes the Tang Dynasty as an ideal period in history. The visual effect was very powerful, and the dances were also extremely clear,” he said. Story-based dance is one of DPA trademarks. Such dances explore a range of themes from both the ancient and modern world.
He explained that the most popular shows in Japan are very people-friendly, and DPA possesses that standard. “Its methods are very good. With the latest and prominent reviews, the show carries the characteristic of the arts for the general public. It is a show that can bring joy to everyone.
“Although I’ve watched other shows that demonstrate Chinese traditions, it is my first time to see this kind of stage art with its new approach to reviving old traditions. It is retro, yet creative. From the allocation of roles to the dancers [to the orchestration and scenery], the show itself contains many characteristics of modern times.”
As a researcher of Western dance medium, Mr. Shigihara said, “Every dancer’s own technique level is already superb. The entire choreography is unique. There are many different combinations of dancers, and in each combination the dancers displayed a variety of techniques. The choreography brings rhythm and is a feast for the eyes.”
As a music critic, he said DPA “unfolded Chinese traditional music using modern orchestral instruments and Chinese folk instruments. This musical adaptation is extremely amazing and can be heard throughout the whole show. The arrangement of music is wonderful. Nobody will find disharmony anywhere in the music. The music is enjoyable for the general public, although it’s not popular music.
“For Asian people, the tunes are catchy, and the use of folk instruments makes the rhythms really steady and calming. I think it is a great achievement for them to do this so well.”
The costumes, like other elements of the show, delighted him. “The color designs are very successful. The colors express typical Chinese characteristics, such as humbleness and honesty. They are quite suitable for oriental mindsets, creating a resonance for Asian people. The stage costumes of DPA are gorgeous and colorful, yet they are not profligate, excessive, or arrogant. They perfectly synchronize with conventional Oriental feelings.”
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour.
For more information, please see DivinePerformingArts.org
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