FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

January 31, 2008

CHINESE OPERA TO PERFORM AT GRINNELL COLLEGE

GRINNELL, IA. - A campus visit and instruction by native actors and musicians will culminate in scenes from Chinese opera on the Grinnell College campus, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. in Sebring-Lewis Hall of the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.

In early February, two actors and a musician from the Suzhou Kunqu Opera in China will instruct Grinnell students on the Suzhou kunqu style of acting, which is considered the most classical style of Chinese theatre. The Suzhou kunqu form of opera involves stylized dialogue with exaggerated movements and gestures.

At the Feb. 15 performance, the Chinese actors and Grinnell students in the short course will conduct a public demonstration of scenes from "The Jade Hairpin," "The Peony Pavilion," and "Palace of Eternal Youth." A public lecture on "The History of Chinese Theatre" will also be held that day at 4:15 p.m. in Lawson Lecture Hall of the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts.

The Chinese opera visit was organized by Alexander "Sandy" Moffett, professor emeritus of theatre, who was born in China and taught in Nanjing as part of Grinnell’s exchange program with Nanjing University. He directed a play at Suzhou University and has continued his interest in traditional Chinese theatre.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for Grinnell students to participate with these native artists in a traditional form of opera," Moffett said. "The Suzhou Kunqu Opera, which the Grinnell visitors represent, was designated a national treasure by UNESCO and has toured throughout China, Europe, and the West Coast of the United States."

Tickets are required for the free public performance and may be obtained by calling the Bucksbaum Ticket Office at 641-269-4444, beginning Mon., Feb. 11. The performance and lecture are sponsored by the Grinnell College Center for International Studies and the Department of Theatre and Dance. The Bucksbaum Center for the Arts is located at 1108 Park St. on the Grinnell College campus. For more information, call (641) 269-4567 or e-mail moffett@grinnell.edu. -30-

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