China welcomes KSU production of “Monkey King”
“Amazing.” That was the overwhelming response of “Monkey King” cast members when asked about performing at the Shanghai Theater Festival in early December.
Georgia
(Dec 13, 2005) — “Amazing.” That was the overwhelming response of “Monkey King” cast members when asked
about performing at the Shanghai Theater Festival in early December.
Following its completely sold−out run at KSU‚ the original production‚ involving faculty
and students from the department of theatre and performance studies‚ packed up and
headed to China.
“Theatre creates a common ground‚” professor Karen Robinson said. “We assumed there
would be differences‚ but there were actually more similarities between our cultures
than differences.”
Produced for the KSU celebration of "The Year of China‚" the play was written by professor
Margaret Baldwin‚ a noted Atlanta playwright‚ and directed by Robinson‚ who was named
one of the top ten directors in Atlanta. Adapted from Chinese folk stories‚ "Monkey
King" adds a contemporary American spin to the ancient tale of the little trickster
monkey's search for immortality and powers. The story is a tale mixed with satire‚
fantasy‚ adventure‚ action and religious allegory.
“Audience members in Shanghai told us that we made god−like characters human and that
seeing our production helped them see their story in a different way‚” Baldwin said.
“That’s the greatest thing theatre can do.”
Despite having to quickly adapt to a new stage and setting‚ the team succeeded in
producing some of its best performances‚ Baldwin said.
“There was a whole new level of energy‚” she said. “It was a different show.”
Project director and costume and scenic designer Ming Chen said "Monkey King" was
a great cultural exchange experience for all involved in the process.
The first KSU production to be performed overseas‚ “Monkey King” received rave reviews
in Chinese newspapers and magazines‚ Chen added.
But it wasn’t all work for the students‚ who were able to tour the city and learn
about its culture.
“We felt an overwhelming warmth from the people‚” Elizabeth Neidel‚ a senior majoring
in theatre and performances studies‚ said. “They were genuine and truly happy that
we were there.”
The cultural exchange program was made possible‚ in part‚ by a grant from the Coca−Cola
Foundation and by an offer from the host institution‚ Shanghai Theater Academy‚ which
provided room‚ board and local transportation.
According to professor Dean Adams‚ there is a definite possibility of more international
touring in the future.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its nearly 43,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.