Chinese disabled artists thrill Israeli audience
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"My Dream," a variety show presented by the renowned China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe, kicked off the cultural exchange program "Experience China in Israel" at the Tel Aviv Opera House in downtown Tel Aviv on October 17. The program, taking place just 14 days after China's grand celebration of its 60th anniversary on October 1, also marks 17 years of China-Israel diplomatic relations.
Israeli President Shimon Peres and Wang Chen, Minister of the Information Office of China's State Council, launched the show.
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Israeli President Shimon Peres delivered a speech before the start of the "My Dream" show at the Tel Aviv Opera House in Israel, October 17. |
President Peres called the opening show "an unusual gathering." He said, "Our land (Israel) is small. But when it comes to dreams, they are all the same size. So you can say your dream is our dream!" He spoke highly of China's economical and social accomplishments over the last 60 years. He highly praised the Chinese performers at the program, saying they make "unbelievable beauty of arts."
Minister Wang Chen responded positively to Mr. Peres' speech. He reflected on the bilateral relations between China and Israel. Commenting on current China-Israel relations, he said, "There has not been a time like now when Chinese and Israeli people show so much care for each other." Wang believes that this cultural exchange program demonstrates the two nations' sincere wish of furthering understanding and friendship.
Performers from the China Disabled People's Performing Arts Troupe presented Chinese-style as well as Western-style singing and dancing. The audience clapped their hands along with the performance. When blind singer Yang Haitao performed the Hebrew song "Latet," the audience responded by cheering, applauding and whistling. With both Chinese and Western-style instruments, an orchestra consisting of blind players interpreted local Israeli music, including "Hava Nagila." Other Hebrew songs such as "Hallelujah" and "You and I Will Change the World" also stirred the audience.
Everyone that China.org.cn interviewed thought highly of the disabled artists' performance. They said they were amazed, stunned and thought the performance was unbelievably nice. They were enthusiastic about Chinese culture and were happy to get the chance to learn more about it through the culture exchange program. They said they would closely follow the program. Some who had traveled to China had left with a very good impression of the country and wanted to revisit it. Those who had not been to China before said they would definitely go there in the future.
The "Experience China" program will last for two weeks. Various aspects of Chinese culture will be presented to Israeli people through shows, movies, television programs and theme lectures. Both the Chinese and Israeli governments cooperated closely to make the program happen. The EL AL Israeli Airlines is the single sponsor, providing free round-trip tickets for Chinese performers, organizers and reporters.
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