Chinese opera arrives in Jakarta
The theatrical attractions are unmistakable: jumping and spinning high in the air, the kind of weapon handling normally seen in the circus, and high-pitched singing. Yes, this is the Chinese opera.
After the repression of Chinese culture during the Soeharto regime that fell three years ago, local theater lovers now have the opportunity to see a Chinese opera performance.
The Hailai Chinese Opera at the Hailai International Executive Club in Ancol, North Jakarta, will be performed this Friday and Saturday. The first show was last weekend.
The opera, performed by the Beijing Opera company from Hu Nan province, features ancient Chinese legends, such as Sun Go Kong (Monkey King), General Yang, Wang Chao Chien (Princess Wang Chao Chien) and Pai Su Chen (White Snake Legend).
The Beijing Opera, which in fact originates from the Anhui and Hube provinces and came to Beijing in 1790, has been the standard of Chinese traditional operas for over 200 years.
Interestingly, the Beijing Opera -- just like other traditional arts -- was banned in China during the Cultural Revolution between 1966 and 1976.
Over the past decades, Indonesians would have had to travel to places such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong to see a real Beijing Opera.
In their four performances here, the 25 artists, mostly under 20 years of age, of the Beijing Hunan Beijing Opera present seven ancient Chinese legends. In addition to Sun Go Kong, Wang Chao Chien and General Yang, they also perform a story from the Ming dynasty, Pai Su Than, Se Choy City and U Sung Ta Tien, a legend from the Sung dynasty.
Co-organized by Hailai and PowerPR-Christovita Wiloto & Co, the performances are meant to help promote Indonesian-Chinese cultural relations.
There will also be a special charity show titled Save Our Generation Charity, the proceeds of which will be donated to Unicef, and two foundations for the disabled, YPAC and Rawinala.
For further information contact the Hailai International Executive Club at 645-9868 ext. 1210-14. --JP