Written by: Shahnawaz Ramay
Posted on: September 28, 2018 | 
| 中文
Silk Road Imagination
The Mid-Autumn Festival titled “Moment Together Across the World” was celebrated here in Islamabad at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, on Wednesday. The jam packed theatre was full of Chinese as well as Pakistani citizens, who had gathered to watch a spectacle of dance and musical performances.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the “Moon Festival” is a traditional Chinese celebration, associated with the coming of the full moon. Festivities include eating, drinking, exchanging good wishes and bonding as a family, to demonstrate the strength of healthy relationships. The 69th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China this year, also falls in the same period as the Mid-Autumn festival. In Chinese culture, it is believed that the full moon denotes “family time,” and the full moon of August is believed to be the biggest and roundest. This festival is also linked to the story of Chang’e, the goddess of the Moon.
The performers for the evening arranged by China Cultural Center, included the Shaanxi Wenyi Art Troupe, Xi’an City Wall Art Troupe and the Traditional Chinese Orchestra of Xi’an International University. The program was divided into three chapters, titled ‘Moon Rises from Sea,’ ‘Lovesick and Memories’ and ‘Great Qin Culture features Chang’an.’ It paid homage to Pakistan-China friendship, as well as the historically important Silk Route which has helped China prosper and develop as one of the leading nations of the world today.
The performances varied from the contemporary to the traditional, with shifts between dancing, martial arts, and theatre. Moreover, the Chinese displayed their expertise in playing traditional instruments such as Pipa, Gugin and Guzheng as well as performing western classical ballad style singing. With their elaborate costumes, intricate props, fluid movements, well-rehearsed coordination and wonderful panache, the artists captured the attention and applause of the attendees. Vibrant and colourful, the performers made use of every inch of the stage to showcase their cultural heritage. The program also provided a platform to Pakistani talent, through dance routines of Kathak, Khattak and Bhangra.
The show opened with a spectacular number ‘Silk Road Imagination,’ based on Xi’an, the ancient city at the beginning of the infamous Silk Route. The male dancers were stoic, while the female ones flitted around using intricate hand movements, flowing like water in their graceful costumes.
Another stand out performance was the all girls dance, ‘Jasmine Blossoms.’ The jasmine flower has been around in China for more than 1000 years, and the tea brewed from it is considered to have a happy yet calming effect. In reflection of this, the dancers used umbrellas painted to replicate the jasmine flower, dressed in long green and white ombre dresses, and delivered a refreshingly calm and joyous performance.
To showcase more talent and history, a solo performance based on the love story between an emperor and a concubine, separated by the timing of their births echoed sorrow. The dancer portrayed heartbreak beautifully, in a well-composed dance number using expressive emotions to convey her feelings, while remaining completely silent and letting her skills do the talking.
An opera performance based on a story of seduction and espionage was highly appreciated by the crowd. With their elaborate theatrical movements and the use of their costumes, the two actors commanded the stage in a frighteningly intricate dance of deception, deceit and drama.
The show ended with a bang, as dancers took to the stage to replicate the Qin dynasties tradition of using drums to produce a dance beat to welcome friends into the kingdom. The ‘Royal Court Drum Dance’ was full of energy, with the dancers decked out in red and gold.
The performances were a treat to behold and a much needed initiative for bringing world cultures to Pakistan. Indeed, such events are by far the best tool for strengthening foreign relations with friends like China, based on a mutual appreciation and respect for each other’s artistic and cultural treasures.
All photographs were taken by the writer.
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