West Greets East in Las Vegas
By Hal de Becker
The “Wind of Colorful Guizhou,” is a spectacular theatrical event from China which is currently making its first USA tour and has already overwhelmed audiences in New York City and elsewhere.
Originally, the company’s tour did not include Las Vegas.However, Sunway Universal Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, contacted the Chinese Ministry of Culture and invited the Guizhou show to appear here. Sunway and the 10,000 member Chinese Association of Las Vegas agreed to sponsor it and to provide a first-rate venue.
The invitation has been accepted and the ‘Guizhou’ production will play one night only at the Orleans Hotel showroom October 12th at 7:30 p.m.
The Chinese province of ‘Guizhou’ is known as a land of culture, singing and dancing.Many different ethnic groups make their home there in small villages. These separate nationalities are called ‘minorities’ because of their relatively small populations.Each has its own language, food, dress, architecture, art, dances and music.
The largest of these minorities is the Miao whose art and culture have a significant presence in the ‘Guizhou’ production.Miao’s age old traditions emphasize harmony between humans and nature, and its music, songs and dances reflect the sights and sounds of wind, water, light, trees, birds and other creatures.
The artists of the 60 member troupe sing and dance and play exotic stringed, wind and percussive instruments some of which are rarely seen played in performance outside of China.Their dances range from lyrical to dramatic as do their songs which are performed without accompaniment, a cappella, by large choirs.
One of the show’s highlights is the lavish Miao costumes which are not only rich in colorful, flowing fabrics but also in a precious metal: The shining head pieces and resplendent jewelry; the decorations that adorn the costumes and the threads that bind them, are all made of pure silver.
Thousands of years ago, silver played a vital part in the Miao economy.They were nomads and their peregrinations required them to have a widely accepted form of currency with which to purchase food and goods.
At some point in Miao history silver entered their culture as objects of art and worship.Today those creations are usually reserved for display in temple ceremonies and at sacred festivals. However, at this performance the audience will have a rare view of those radiant treasures -- as well as an evening of unique, world class, exciting entertainment.
For reservations and ticket information call (702) 284-7777 or (702) 285-3051.
