skip navigation | text only | accessibility | site map

Cathay: Three Tales of China

The Washington premiere of this new work using ancient shadow puppetry techniques and cutting-edge multimedia tells stories from three eras in China.

About the Program | Reviews | Watch and Listen | Additional Resources

This event has already closed.
Please use the event calendar to search for current events.

About the Program

"A TECHNICAL MARVEL!
Profound…marvelous…multimedia pageantry. The puppetry amazes!"
--The Seattle Times

"BEAUTIFULLY RENDERED...REMARKABLE!
'Cathay' is entertaining, thought-provoking, and wise."
--Variety

"'CATHAY' IS PERFECT!
An intense expression of the beauty, freshness, wit, and compassion of [Ping] Chong's art"

--The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

A KENNEDY CENTER COMMISSION
Ping Chong & Company with the Shaanxi Folk Art Theater
Cathay: Three Tales of China

Conceived, written, and directed by Chinese-American artist Ping Chong in collaboration with the puppetry division of Shaanxi Folk Art Theater from Xian, China, the Washington premiere of this new Kennedy Center–commissioned work combines ancient shadow puppetry techniques with cutting-edge multimedia effects to transport audiences to a realm of mystery and savage beauty. The production encompasses three different eras in China's history: from the ancient Tang Dynasty and sumptuous palaces, to a moving story of survival during World War II, to the lobby of a luxurious 21st-century "Grand Hotel" representing China's re-emergence as a global economic force. 

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

View a 6-minute video on the making of Cathay at seattlechannel.org.
____________________________________________________________________
Performance PlusTM
Free Post-Performance Discussion
In the Terrace Theater, join a discussion with the artists immediately following the performance, moderated by dance artist and scholar Dana Tai Soon Burgess. Free with your performance ticket.
Friday, October 21

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

Group of 20 or more? Contact Group Sales for special terms.

Additional Resources

About the Kennedy Center etcetera Series

About the Kennedy Center Festival of China 2005

Artist's Web Site

Cast and Company

Company:
Ping Chong and Company

Reviews and Articles

"A Master Puppeteer's Deft Tales of China"
The Washington Post – Washington, DC (Oct. 26, 2005) "China is the center of the world again" Read More...

This event has already closed.

Please use the event calendar to search for current events.