Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe will makes its U. S. premiere.<\/b>
\nNewport Beach resident and author Kailin Gow loves things that are \u201cedgy, cool, bright, exciting, hopeful, glittery, jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring, \u201d so says her website. She has written more than 300 books, started a production company and created an animated TV show. But behind her extensive r\u00e9sum\u00e9 is a woman with a heart for doing things that make a difference.
This Sunday, Aug. 6, Gow will direct and emcee a Taiwanese dance showcase with proceeds benefiting cancer research. The \u201cSpreading Love Fighting Cancer Charity Concert\u201d at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium features the Golden Melody Award-winning Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe in its American premiere. Through music, dance, acrobatics and martial arts, the ensemble will bring to life an ancient Chinese fable called \u201cJourney of the Monkey King.\u201d
\u201cIt is a unique and special treat to attend a performance of an ancient lost art form, revived and brought back to life from the only troupe still performing it in Taiwan, \u201d Gow said. \u201cIt is a global story that everyone can relate to today.\u201d
The 70-member Hakka Opera Troupe spans four generations and regards their show as way to carry Hakka culture to the world and future generations.
As \u201cJourney of the Monkey King\u201d tells a story about the fight between good and evil, audiences will see high-energy kung fu mixed with the dramatic and elegant traditions of tea-picking opera dancing.
According to Gow, the tea dance is rarely performed and it comes from the tradition of tea farmers communicating over long distances through song.
Gow talks about this tradition in one of her books, \u201cThe Perfect Cup: TEA, \u201d based on the \u201cThe Perfect Cup\u201d travel and food show in which she explores the world of tea.
In addition to the Hakka Opera Troupe, the Lei Dance Theatre, also from Taiwan, and the Irvine-based Sun Musical Concert Choir will perform. In total, more than 150 artists will contribute to this celebration of Taiwanese culture.
\u201cI hope people who see the show learn something from this country, \u201d Gow said. \u201cI think (Taiwan) has been overlooked as far as what they bring to the world and they are making great, important discoveries. This show gives a new appreciation for culture and show that Taiwan want to be able to help the world.\u201d
President of the Taiwanese Hakka Association of America and organizer of the event James Liang said in press release that proceeds will benefit the Dr. Susan Love Foundation Research for Breast Cancer and The John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
\u201cSpreading Love Fighting Cancer Charity Concert will bring Taiwan\u2019s premier opera, acrobat and martial arts performers to the stage to dazzle the American audience, \u201d Liang said. \u201cIt will help bring awareness to efforts that are being made to cure a disease that is the leading cause of death worldwide and raise money for organizations at the forefront of cancer research.\u201d
From its humble origins as entertainment for the agricultural community, to playing Taiwan\u2019s prestigious National Theatre Hall and now coming to the United States, the Rom Shing Hakka Opera Troupe is making sure its art form continues into the modern age.
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, August 6
Where: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena
Tickets: $48-$89
Info: spreadinglovefightingcancer.com<\/p>\n

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