Cathay: Three Tales of China

Ping Chong's CATHAY: THREE TALES OF CHINA at the Kennedy Center, Oct. 21 22 at 7:30pm and Oct. 23 at 2pm. Chong collaborated with the puppetry division of Shaanxi Folk Art Theater from Xian, China, combining ancient shadow puppetry techniques with cutting-edge multimedia effects to transport audiences to a realm of mystery and savage beauty. This limited run is part of the Kennedy Centers month-long Festival of China.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Peoples Republic of China presents three special performances featuring Ping Chong & Co. with the Shaanxi Folk Art Theater in CATHAY: THREE TALES OF CHINA. Performances are Oct. 21 23. This limited run is part of the Kennedy Centers month-long Festival of China - the largest single celebration of Chinese performing arts in American history.

CATHAY: THREE TALES OF CHINA was 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.

CATHAY encompasses three different eras in Chinas history its ancient past, its tumultuous recent history and its 21st century reemergence as a global economic force. The first part, The Lady and the Emperor, is set in the Tang Dynasty 1,100 years ago. The second part, Little Worm, is set during World War II and the third part, New, is set in a luxurious modern hotel.

Obie Award-winning Ping Chong was raised in Chinatown in New York City and has created over 50 works for the stage. Ping Chong & Company, originally The Fiji Theater Company, was founded in 1975 to explore the meaning of contemporary theater and art on a national and international level.

Ticket holders to the Oct. 21st performance are invited to a free discussion with the artists immediately following the performance, moderated by dance artist and scholar Dana Tai Soon Burgess.

A country 1.3 billion strong, China boasts more than 50 ethnic groups and 1,500 dialects, making it one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. In October 2005, 900 of Chinas best and brightest musicians, dancers, puppeteers, actors, directors, choreographers and acrobats will showcase the energy and expression of contemporary Chinese culture in the nations capital with four weeks of performances and exhibitions.

Performances are Oct. 21 22 at 7:30pm and Oct. 23 at 2pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Kennedy Center Box Office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Those patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan calling area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324.

For more information on the Kennedy Center, please visit www.kennedy-center.org.