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Deng Pufang on Coming US Tour by Chinese Disabled Artists
The forthcoming tour of the United States by the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe will allow American audiences to gain a better understanding of today's China.
The performance is aimed at promoting Sino-U.S. friendship and showing the achievements of China's reforms and social progress.
Deng Pufang, chairman of the China Disabled Persons Federation (CDPF) and head of the troupe, made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua and the "People's Daily" reporters.
The troupe is to present a performance of music and dance entitled "My Dream" in Washington D.C., New York City, San Francisco, Boise, Provo and Hawaii from September 6-27, according to Deng.
The visit would coincide with Chinese President Jiang Zemin's planned attendance of the United Nations Millennium Summit in New York City along with other world leaders and the "Experience Chinese Culture in the United States" sponsored by the Chinese Government, Deng noted.
He said that the tour is sponsored by the CDPF and three American partners -- the CASI Foundation, the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, and Carnegie Hall.
"What we are going to present to the American people is a performance of music and dance with a typical Chinese flavor, bringing together the common will of disabled people and the goodwill of the Chinese people," said Deng.
According to the CDPF chairman, the 14-year-old troupe has visited almost 30 foreign countries. For the tour, it has chosen a new repertoire with the help of first-class artists in China, he said.
The repertoire includes instrumental performances, dances by deaf girls and amputees, an orchestra conducted by Zhou Zhou, a boy who is mentally retarded, but gifted with conducting, and an English poem by a paralyzed former gymnast Sang Lan sitting in her wheelchair.
The performance will be an integration of art, love and human values, Deng said, noting that in the performance, the Chinese artists will also be joined by 20 American children in singing a Chinese song, "The Same Song," in English, Deng said.
In addition to the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, the national theater of the United States, and Carnegie Hall, the troupe will perform at university campuses, stadiums, churches, and the site of the inaugural meeting of the United Nations - the War Memorial and Performance Art Center in San Francisco, according to Deng.
During the tour, members of the troupe will stay with American families in some cities to enjoy activities such as seminars, parties and outings with American students, disabled persons, social workers and artists, he said. "The visit will be a tour of art to show Chinese culture, a tour of friendship across the Pacific Ocean, and a tour of civilization to promote the human spirit," he said.
According to Deng, US Vice President Al Gore, in a welcoming letter to the CDPF, quoted from the late US President John F. Kennedy, "I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."
The US vice president went on to say, "These performers share a tremendous human spirit.... Their determination has inspired millions at home and now promises to do the same here in the United States."
Moreover, an American delegation, which brings a welcoming letter from 15 members of the US Congress, will come to Beijing to accompany the troupe on the journey to the United States, Deng
said.
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