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Artists dance gracefully in Moon on the Sea. [Photo/ jiading.gov.cn] |
A gala themed "Our Festival" was staged on Sept 28 at the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre in Jiading district to celebrate the upcoming Mid-autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month) that falls on Oct 4 this year.
The festival is one of the most important in China and is also a day for family reunions. On this day, everyone gathers to celebrate by eating moon cakes and appreciating the spectacular beauty of the full moon.
The custom has been handed down through generations and this gala, echoing the theme, carries a broader meaning -- to evoke memories of Chinese cultural traditions.
The evening opened with a dancing performance called Moon on the Sea, after which several well-known artists, including Wen Yujuan, Bai Xue, Yin Zhiguang and Zhao Jin beautifully presented Chinese classic poems and essays in varying artistic forms, like reading, reciting, singing and dancing.
With a closing round of poem recitations -- Calling for Conscience, Filial Piety is an Evergreen, Craftsmanship and I am Proud of being a Chinese -- presented by senior artists, the gala came to a rousing climax.
The audience not only enjoyed the evening, but more importantly got a deeper understanding of the essence of Chinese classics.
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Performers, young and old, share a moment at the end of the gala. [Photo/ jiading.gov.cn] |