If you want to see a wide array of Chinese cultural performances, there is no need to leave the city this weekend. It can be all found at Gateway Theatre.
As part of the Culture Days, a national event highlighting the importance of arts and culture, the Gateway Theatre will host the first-ever Chinese arts and culture celebration this Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 28 and 29). Richmondites can experience Chinese culture through music, dance performances and ink painting workshops.
A growing number of Richmondites of Chinese heritage have been coming to watch plays at Gateway throughout this year. During Culture Days, Gateway hopes to use this opportunity to connect with the local Chinese community, according to Barbara Tomasic, Gateway’s interim producer.
The weekend will kick off with the greatest 60s, 70s and 80s rock hits performed by the local singing group Star Band on Saturday at noon, where participants can enjoy music or sing along with these golden oldies, said Tomasic.
“Star Band performed English hits songs like the Beatles and Chinese classic pop songs at Starlight Casino in August, with hundreds of audiences taking up space. We expect more people will join us this time.”
During the two-day of festivities, Gateway’s main stage will feature music and dance shows by local singing groups, such as Vancouver Chinese Choir, Vancouver Cantonese Opera and Vancouver Chinese Lion Dance.
“There will be concerts all the time on the stage, people can come and go as they please,” said Tomasic.
Additionally, participants can explore their artistic talents by attending free Chinese calligraphy and ink painting workshops in the lobby.
“It will be a mix of young and senior artists teaching workshops to the public. People of all ages are welcome; we are going to open the door for everybody in the community,” added Tomasic.
For more information, visit http://gatewaytheatre.com/culturedays.
