On Friday the 19th of October, the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse served as the venue for not only the ceremonial launching of the English Translation Series, but also commemoration of traditional Chinese Opera, dance, song and performance. Guests were greeted on a red carpet in the extravagant lobby and asked to leave their signatures on a memories board emblazoned with the logos of the hosting universities; Renmin University of China and Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Attending the event were numerous dignitaries including the Renmin University of China President Chen Yulu, and Beijing Foreign Studies University President Han Zhen. Renmin University International Office Director Tang Zhong was also in attendance with his colleagues and counterparts, whom were welcoming various foreign nations’ Ambassadors to China and their accompanying diplomats.
President Chen gave an impassioned opening speech praising the guests and the importance of translation, as well as the preservation of traditional Chinese classics like the Peking Opera. President Han also thanked all the quests for attending, and spoke about the role of translation in bringing cultures together. The Ambassadors of both Ireland and Australia gave speeches displaying their Chinese language skills, and encouraging greater internationalization and global cooperation.
The performers impressed the crowd with their traditional costumes and face paint; some even wore the iconic “lianpu” masks. A female dancer performed with hip scarves, twisting and twirling leaving the audience mesmerized. Two actors voiced passages of the Peking Opera, adorned with swords and colorful clothing. Acrobats dressed as soldiers performed amazing athletic feats on stage, flipping and spinning all the while drummers in the band pounded rhythms to the actions onstage.
The event has been heralded as a success, and concluded with pictures of the dignitaries, diplomats and performers onstage. The Peking Opera Translation Series will undoubtedly be read by many, bringing a greater understanding to traditional Chinese culture.
