MIX Day featured ten Chinese dramas, and all of the actors performed at their very best.

This year, Youshan club undertook Six Characters in Search of an Author by Nobel Prize-winning writer, Pirandello. Club members include both new actors and "experienced" ones. To tackle the surreal plots, they needed to present two very different acting methods. For over two months, 18 students spent their time after school working on the play, helping each other and encouraging each other. The whole process served as a test of their perseverance. Teachers having the background of Chinese, Drama and Arts guided and supports the club members to design and hand-made the posters, costumes, and even props on the stage.

Six Characters in Search of an Author

On May 31st, from 8:30 to 9:30, the Blackbox Theatre was full of fun and laughter. Grade 10 and 11 students perfectly interpreted Journey to the West and Peach Blossom Source. They blended traditional and modern elements and drew a sense of drama.

Journey to the West

Peach Blossom Source

From time to time, the Tang monks and apprentices in Journey to the West offered up a few modern catchphrases, making the audience laugh; Princess Tieshan in reverse string created an exotic atmosphere, while the Bull Demon king took the drama to its climax. Peach Blossom Source is an ancient costume comedy. In it, Old Tao's wife, Chunhua of the Wuling people, had an illicit affair with the landlord, Yuan Boss, so Lao Tao ran away from home in anger. The performers integrated a lot of lines and wonderful performances in their space-time transformation, which prompted shock and deep reflection in the audience members. The hour passed by, but the excitement will continue.

The Longyin Club used their songs and dances to express their love of traditional Chinese culture.

After the lights went on, the show started off with a bang: “Jasmine Fragrance” on the guzheng and was accompanied by “Jinghong Dance”. Next, the song “Floating Life” brought the audience into a starry dream; everyone was mesmerized by the singer’s amazing voice and the beautiful melody of the flute. Following this song, the music, “Small Town Lie” started to play and five girls began their dance. After that, two twelfth graders showed their talents at comedic crosstalk, inspiring waves and waves of laughter and applause from the audience. Finally, “Bu Ran” began to play as four girls took the stage. Holding paper umbrellas as their dancing partners, they floated around the stage, finishing the entire performance and gaining one final round of applause.

(Written by High School Chinese Department        Pictures by High School students and teachers)