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Deputy Consul General Yu Peng Attended Overseas Premiere of "The Greatest Spirit: Embrace China--Beautiful Sichuan"
2018-09-22 01:08

On September 22nd, 2018, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC) held the overseas premiere of the ballet performance "The Greatest Spirit: Embrace China--Beautiful Sichuan" at Minnesota University’s Northrop Theater. Deputy Consul General Yu Peng, Secretary General Yang Fan of Sichuan Province Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, US Congressmen Erik Paulsen and Tim Walz, and State Senator Foung Hawj attended the event. US Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, and US Congresswoman Betty McCollum sent congratulatory letters or videos to the event’s organizers. In total, there were 1,500 audience members in attendance.

Deputy Consul General Yu Peng said in his speech that “The Greatest Spirit" performed by the Sichuan Song and Dance Theater Company achieved great success in China after a year’s worth of earnest preparations. "The Greatest Spirit", which revolves around the theme of fine liquor, tells of the sophistication of modern and ancient times through verse, and of the spirit of China’s flourishing periods through dance, all the while exhibiting China’s drinking culture, making the audience “tipsy” on this grand occasion. Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are upon us, and it is hoped that all overseas Chinese in Minnesota can have a wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, and enjoy good health and happiness.

Secretary General Yang Fan said that the performance centered on the theme of discovering the beauty of Chinese poetry and drinking culture. It was a comforting expression of intimacy toward the vast overseas Chinese community, as well as an exhibition of gratitude for their unbreakable ties to the homeland. On top of that, the performance gave the community an opportunity to partake in joyous Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations .

US Congressman Paulsen said that he was pleased that Minnesota was selected as the place for overseas premiere of "The Greatest Spirit". The performance was a good opportunity for Chinese-American exchange of culture, history and art. He has vigorously promoted the introduction of Chinese classes in Minnesota high schools, and is willing to continue encouraging cultural exchanges between China and the United States. He wished the overseas Chinese community in Minnesota a happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

US Congressman Waltz commented that 30 years ago, he celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival for the first time in Foshan, Guangdong. As Mid-Autumn Festival stands out in Chinese culture as a special day of family reunion, it was his pleasure to enjoy this performance with everyone together. China and the US have a solid tradition of cultural exchanges, and hopefully both countries can maintain this tradition and amicable relations.

“The Greatest Spirit” traced the changes and evolution of Chinese drinking culture through a perfect integration of poetry, music, and dance. Boisterous applause rang through the entire show and the audience remained glued to their seats long after the performance ended.

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