The Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center was recently awarded a 2012 Project Grant by the Dutchess County Arts Council for “Colorful China : Cantonese Opera Project*. This 2-part project includes a traditional Chinese folk art theatrical performance on February 4, 2012 and an 8-week workshop series, aiming to introduce this unique art form to Dutchess County.

Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center

Cantonese Opera Coming to Dutchess County

The Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center, in collaboration with local multi-disciplinary artists and performers, Alice Wong and Camille Yeung will bring a Cantonese Opera performance and an 8-week, once weekly Cantonese Opera appreciation workshop series to the Dutchess Community.

The Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center was recently awarded a 2012 Project Grant by the Dutchess County Arts Council for “Colorful China : Cantonese Opera” Project*. This 2-part project includes a traditional Chinese folk art theatrical performance and an 8 week workshop series, aiming to introduce this unique art form to Dutchess County. Cantonese Opera, one of the major regional categories of Chinese Opera, is an elaborate, dramatic form of storytelling involving singing, instrumentation, martial arts, and acrobatics.

The theatrical performance: “The Princess Chang Pin-The Fragrant Cessation”, performed by Alice Wong, Camille Yeung, Rong Jian Wu, Paul Mak, Julie Rochrohr and Artemis Ko will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at Roy, C. Ketcham High School, 99 Myers Corners School, Wappingers Falls, NY12590. Performance tickets are $10 each and $6 for students/senior over 65. Please contact Ying Wang at 845-223-1727 for performance tickets.

The workshop is slated to start Sunday, February 12, 2012, 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center, 99 Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

Through the workshops, the participants will gain a historical overview of the art’s deep cultural roots and guided exposure into current practices of the unique art through interactive workshops, demonstrations, and lectures. Material will include foundational lessons on the performance aspects of stylized body movement, singing styles, costume, hair styling, and makeup. Participants will be equipped to more fully appreciate this colorful art culture and be equipped to more fully appreciate this colorful art culture and be encouraged to further pursue independent study of the topic. Appropriate for those with little to no experience. Instruction will be in English, knowledge of Chinese is NOT required, all important terms will be translated and romanized. Open to all students and adults, ages 10+ . Please visit the website for registration and information: www.mhclc.org

The Chinese Language Center has been serving the community since 1985, with a mission to teach Chinese language to all interested individuals throughout Dutchess County. It also serves as a center for cultural activities and community services, to promote cultural awareness and community participation.

*This project is made possible (in part) through a grant from the Dutchess County Arts Council, administrator of public funds through NYSCA’s Decentralization Program.