Thursday, February 18, 1999
Cultural night students voice
perspectives on Tiananmen
THEATER: Chinese group to educate others about Asian history,
community
By Laura Zhang
Daily Bruin Contributor
Ten years ago, in support of fellow students protesting for
democratic ideals at Tiananmen Square, the American Chinese
Association (ACA) staff hoisted picket signs and demonstrated on
campus.
The photo that captured this culminating moment in Chinese
American history became the inspiration for this year’s Chinese
American Cultural Night (CACN), which will take place in Royce Hall
this Saturday. Cultural night organizers say memories of the 1989
campus protest embody the strong tie among Chinese people living on
opposite faces of the world.
In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square
incident, the 10th Annual CACN, a completely student-run program
produced by ACA, will feature a drama of this moving event in
conjunction with the show’s theme, "Perspectives."
Instead of focusing on past Chinese hardships in America, as in
previous shows, this year’s CACN theme deals with the perspective
of a Chinese American following the progress of the Tiananmen
Square incident while struggling to hold on to Chinese culture.
The presentation is also unique because it is a topic still
vivid in the memories of participants, as well as onlookers.
The Tiananmen Square incident was the pinnacle of a series of
student-led, pro-democracy demonstrations in China. Peacefully
protesting for greater freedom and less corruption, the students
were potent in their massive hunger strikes and sheer numbers. The
government, however, responded with an iron hand, extending media
control and military action. The declaration of martial law
resulted in the arrest, injury and death of hundreds of supporters,
inspiring worldwide protests against the ruthlessness of the
Chinese leaders.
In was difficult dealing with such a controversial issue, says
CACN’s producer and Anne Marie Wear.
"We were really particular on the script to make sure that we
weren’t preaching on our version of Tiananmen Square," Wear says.
"We were trying to be politically accurate without being
activists."
The drama’s script is a compilation of UCLA archival research
and firsthand experience. Scriptwriters Kathleen Wong and Wilson
Chow viewed footage and media clips of the Tiananmen Square to
glean historical knowledge. They also got a wide range of
perspectives by contacting actual students who demonstrated in
Tiananmen Square and campus professors.
ACA’s effort to educate people on issues within the Chinese
community has already impacted the cast of the show itself.
On top of rehearsing long hours since the second week of the
fall quarter, the cast was required to watch documentaries and look
through various pictures and books to see exactly what they were
reenacting.
"Before (playing this role)," reflects Jenny Chan, who will be
playing the part of the culturally ambiguous Chinese American, "I
knew there was violence, but I had no idea that so many people were
massacred (in the Tiananmen Square incident)."
As ACA strives to promote multiculturalism through the
presentation of the Beijing student movement, it is also intent on
bringing entertainment to the audience.
The three-hour program incorporates an introductory comedy skit,
traditional dance, lyrical song, hip-hop performance, dynasty
fashion show, slide show and two martial arts exhibits.
Scriptwriter Wear hopes the additional activities will balance
the gravity of the drama topic and integrate a collage of Chinese
cultural characterizations.
"When we were deciding on how to pick the show," says Wear, "(we
thought that) if we do it entirely on Tiananmen Square, it would
lose a lot of the light-heartedness. These (shows) are entirely
student-based, and we have a really varied audience, so there’s a
short comedy (which acts) as a balance so the audience can have a
really good time."
PERFORMANCE: ACA presents "Perspectives" in Royce Hall this
Saturday at 8 p.m. Admission is free, and tickets are available at
the Central Ticket Office. Two tickets will be distributed per
student ID.
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