Troupe brings ancient Chinese culture to FHSU;

event featuresmusic, history, theater,martial arts

In musical, theatrical and kung fu performances of the likes rarely seen outside China, Fort Hays State University presents the Hua Xia Orchestra from Henan Museum of China and monks of the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Team.

The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or at the Student Service Center in the Memorial Union. Admission is free.

The event is part of a long-standing cultural exchange program between the university and its partner, Sias International University, in the Henan Province of China. This performance is one of only four in the troupe's U.S. tour.

The Hua Xia Ancient Music Group of Henan Museum is highly engaged in the preservation, research and exhibition of ancient Chinese music. Costumes, musical scores and instruments such as the bone flute and chime bells used in the performance are replicas of historical items, some unearthed from ancient Chinese graves.

Presented in three parts, the event involves 20 performers of all ages. The performance will begin with a narrated musical presentation, including instruments and Chinese music from prehistoric times through the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD). This will be followed by a demonstration of ancient Chinese martial arts styles and weapons by members of the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Team.

Finally, the performance includes a theatrical play about the Chinese Lantern Festival, or "Chinese Valentine's Day," which is a celebration of flowers, lanterns and love held on the first full moon of each new year. This traditional festival has been taking place for the past 2,000 years. It involves audience participation in the "Guessing Game," a traditional aspect of the Chinese Lantern Festival.

This event is sponsored by the President's Office, the Special Events Committee and the Office of Strategic Partnerships.

For more information, contact Vince Bowhay, assistant director of the Memorial Union, by email at vebowhay@fhsu.edu or by phone at 785-628-4664.