Dictated culture isn't a major priority on the long list of American concerns. If anything, our preoccupation lies with finding new and easier ways to download music illegally and eluding the rather lackadaisical authorities. Cross an ocean and confront a country where the government prescribes what you watch, what you hear, and what you do or do not download. Confront a country where mainstream pop idols sing about economic stability and national identity instead of romantic love and drug paraphernalia.
In light of contemporary politics, the first annual China Night (zhongguo zhiye), unveiled on April 30, was an artistically beautiful demonstration of uninhibited musical, dance, and dramatic performances and an indication that culture thrives with those who fight for it, even when its production is exploited from above.
The night began with a repertoire of traditional Chinese music presented by four Boston musicians: Li Ping, Lin Zhan Tao, Ching San Cheung, and Elisa Cheung, all of whom immigrated from China to the United States. Jen Xu '07, the hostess of the evening, mentioned, "As rare as it is to find people who have mastered ancient instruments such as the erhu and yangqin [in China], it's even rarer to find them here."
As privileged as the audience was to witness performances by such capable musicians, the focus of the evening was a showcase of the talents of Bowdoin students. Following an intermission of bing gan and lu cha (cookies and green tea), the stage was set with a rendition of "The Sheep Herder Girls" by Europa Yang '05, Sophia Thich '04, and Tara Sheehan '05. A captivating but tranquil arrangement, it still managed to rile up spectators whose profound interest in Chinese culture even exceeded the expectations of Karen Tang '07, one of the directors of the event: "The best part was to see a full house. It was very encouraging... There were Bowdoin professors, students, people from the Brunswick community, and even students from the University of Maine."
Other highlights of the evening included solo performances by Josh Chung '01, who despite his "limited control of the language" sung a Chinese piece entitled "Whole World Wide Awake" while strumming on a guitar, and Xu, who delivered a poignant version of Valen Hsu's "Only Telling You."
Deviating from the melodically-inclined demonstrations, Chengsi Xie '07 and Tang presented a cross-talk about one concern that tops the list whether you're an American or Chinese college student: dating. The exchange incorporated English and Chinese pick-up lines. Yang commented that such diverse selections "allowed for a more informed audience" that actively responded the entire two hours.
Throughout the program, each of the three Chinese language classes performed a collaborative song or skit. These were as intriguing as they were entertaining. Particularly the third year class surprised the audience (and many of the event organizers) with a finale that can be labeled neither musical, nor dance, nor dramatic. Individuals wearing costumes that could only resemble extras from Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical" music video came together and boogied to the tune of a Chinese disco number, with the initial provision that they "be treated seriously." Although there was the occasional outburst of laughter, the unrestrained artistic expression was overwhelmingly received and exemplified the meaning of China Night: to take advantage of our ability to create without boundaries.