In celebration of 2015, The Year of China in South Africa as well as the Beautiful Tianjin- Chinese Cultural and Arts Festival, an exhibition of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Tianjin and a performance by the Chinese Peking Opera were held at the Durban Playhouse on Friday, 12 June 2015.

The event was held in partnership with South Africa’s Department of Arts and Culture, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Durban and the Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology.

Dr Eddie Chaobo Fu, the Head of the Confucius Institute at DUT (DUT-CI) said 2014 was the Year of South Africa in China and that 2015 is the Year of China in South Africa according to the agreement between both governments. “The Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Chinese Consulates General in South Africa and all the Confucius Institutes are hosting a series of functions to celebrate this auspicious theme (2015 The Year of China in South Africa). Under the leadership of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of DUT, Professor Ahmed Bawa, who is also the chairperson of the DUT-CI board, the DUT-CI is also hosting a number of functions to introduce China and Chinese culture to South African communities and to promote the cultural and educational exchange between both countries,” he said.

Tianjin means ‘the place where the emperor crossed the river.’ Facing the Bohai Sea, Tianjin, serves as Beijing’s vital gateway to the sea. The long history, together with the sedimentary accretion of culture and distinctive geographic location, gave birth to Tianjin’s folk culture which is well-established, colourful and has distinguishing features. Tianjin is renowned as the land of Quyi in North China (Chinese folk art forms, including ballad singing, storytelling, comic dialogues, clapper talks and cross-talks), to name but a few. Tianjing is also one of the representatives of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. The Chinese government has attached great importance to the transmission and protection of its cultural heritage so that the public can enjoy the historical course, appreciate the wisdom of Chinese culture and experience the distinctive Tianjin folk arts.

The exhibition, at the event, showcased Yangliuqing woodcut new-year pictures, Yangliuqing paper cuttings, leaf paintings, dough sculpture and painted-clay figurine zhang.

Tianjin is also renowned as the birthplace of Beijing Opera, Pinggiu (a local opera of North and Northeast China) and it is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. It arose in the late 18th century and became fully developed and recognised by the mid-19th century. With their elaborate and colourful costumes, performers are the only focal points on Peking opera’s stage. They utilise the skills of speech, song, dance and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive rather than realistic.
Speaking of the show, DUT graduate Nosipho Mngoma was totally mesmerised by the exhibition and opera performance. “It was an absolutely amazing experience. I was deeply moved by the stories which transcended any language or cultural barriers. Stunning art form, awe inspiring performers and majestic music… I will never forget this experience as long as I live,” she said.

DUT’s Prof Graham Stewart, e-Learning Project Co-ordinator, said that he and his family were thrilled and privileged to have been able to watch such an awe-inspiring event.

Dr Lavern Samuels, International Education and Partnerships Director at DUT, said the performance of the Peking Opera was “simply fabulous”.

All-in-all, Dr Fu added that the Intangible Cultural Exhibition and Peking Opera performance were very well received and most of the audience and invited guests said the opera was fantastic and unforgettable. “There are many other Chinese events on the cards for this year (2015). Among these are the Chinese Cultural Festival, the DUT Student Summer Camp to China, an art exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery next month (July 2015), a China-South Africa Cultural Gala to be held in September and a China -South African Fashion Show to be hosted in November 2015,” he said.

– Waheeda Peters

Pictured: The Chinese Peking Opera Performance.