REACHING OUT IN PORTLAND
http://dpacoverage.sohnetwork.com/2009/01/25/reaching-out-in-portland/#more-212
Welcome to SOH Radio Network, this is Corinne Malaske bringing you DPA coverage from Portland Oregon. A truly beautiful city surrounded by scenic wonders. The DPA brings traditional ancient values of the Chinese world onto the stage for you to learn about their heritage. The Chinese people have a long history in Portland as well.
The Gateway to New China Town in Portland today reads: “Four Seas, One Family.’ The chinese residents and their culture can be seen throughout Portland today. They are a valuable part of the current culture and continues to trade actively with China. Perhaps they will play a strong role in the changing current culture of China as well.
In historical Portland from 1880 to 1910 the Chinese community was the second largest in the United States and actively traded goods with China. Discrimination of the chinese existed until the Federal exclusion Act was repealed in 1943.
Barbara and Greta Collins shared their experience at today’s performance with us. Barbara told us that the number about the peasant man being persecuted, killed by thugs and then resurrected by the Buddha was very touching. It made her think of our new president Obama’s inauguration and about how he was sort of reaching out. She thought this show does that and sort of coveys that we all human and we all have value.
Our reporter asked Barbara what she thought of the Falun Gong piece. She told us how sad it made her, but how the media plays a large role in letting many people know about current China. Over time she hopes this will bring improvement there.
In 1894 a flood destroyed Portland’s old chinatown and it was vacated. In Its’ place was built new chinatown. As we know, productions like this help us remember the good qualities, arts, culture, stories and events in history. It is important for all ages. The elderly remember and pass on the stories that anchor us to our cultural heritages. The young will bring all they learn from past and present into the future. Those in the middle bridge the old and the new.
If you are looking for a DPA performance in or near your city, please visit www.DivinePerformingArts.com or www.ticketmaster.com
This has been Corinne Malaske with SOH Radio Network.