Mar 7, 2009

Pottery artist Zeng Mingnan

TAICHUNG, Taiwan--Mr. Zeng, a senior potter, felt he was part of the Divine Performing Arts when he saw the company perform in Taichung March 6. "The show is very excellent and elaborate. The fusion of dancing and drama seemed to turn me into one of the performers on the stage," he said.

Mr. Zeng was very involved in the intricacies of the performance. Although he received an education in Western art, Oriental aesthetics form the basis of his creations, he explained.

"When it comes to dancing and music, I am a layman," said Zeng Mingnan with modesty. "But in terms of the common language of art, the dancers' each single movement and angle displays touching aesthetics which are in common with aesthetics of painting and art. I feel moved."

Though he had no deep understanding of Buddhist sculpture, he noted the portrayal of Buddhist content. "Such a solemn Buddha statue, whether presented through costumes, acts or movements, is very moving and very amazing," he said.

The dance 'The Monkey King Triumphs', which depicts the story of Tang Monk and his odyssey to the West, also struck a chord. Though it is a familiar folk tale, such a wonderful interpretation of the story through dance is rarely seen, he said.

Zeng Mingnan said the dancers' costumes distinguished themselves from ordinary ones by their traditional styles of simplicity and modesty, and by their elegant colors. The colors are typical of Chinese culture, which is refreshing, he said, but it was the beauty of the whole presentation that really made an impact.

"This is a moving show," he said.

Source http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13300/