Barbados will be treated to a Chinese cultural feast by the Henan Cultural Performing Arts Group, one of China???s renowned kung fu and acrobatics troupes, on Saturday, August 10, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Wildey Gymnasium.

This was revealed today during a press briefing by Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley at his Ministry???s headquarters at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.

Minister Lashley explained that the show is being produced by this Ministry, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People???s Republic of China and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).

It will feature Shaolin Kung Fu and acrobatics displays by the Chinese performers and an array of Barbadian cultural presentations from the Pinelands Creative Workshop, Dancin??? Africa, Adrenalin Dancers, Michael Taitt and the Shaggy Bears, Stiltwalkers ??? Troy Hunte and troupe, Mother Sallies and the Pompasetters Tuk Band.

Calling the upcoming event ???a show of a lifetime???, he said, ???It is a privilege for us to be able to see the Henan Cultural Performing Arts Group in Barbados. This will be one of those very rare opportunities for the Barbadian public to witness this type of dynamic and exciting performance.???

Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, in discussion with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Xu Hong, while Deputy Permanent Secretary, Celia Toppins listens, after today’s press briefing at the Ministry’s headquarters. (A.Miller/BGIS)

According to the Culture Minister, ???the art forms of kung fu and acrobatics are extremely popular in Barbados and the opportunity for the Henan Cultural Performing Arts Group to perform here, continues to underscore the very rich bond we continue to have with China in the area of cultural collaboration.

???We are very committed to deepening the cultural relations and collaborations between Barbados and China and this is one of those very concrete ways in which we are doing that,??? he affirmed, adding that his Ministry was in talks with the Chinese Embassy to have Barbadian cultural groups visit China.

Ambassador of the People???s Republic of China to Barbados, Xu Hong asserted that the Chinese troupe ???will bring an unforgettable evening??? [And] the chance to experience the exciting mixture of both our cultures???.

He noted that throughout the 36 years of diplomatic relations between Barbados and China, ???cultural exchange has always been an integral part and a bright spot of the bilateral relations???.

The Chinese envoy stressed that cultural exchanges were strategic in helping each nation to develop a better understanding of each other.

???Though our two countries are separated by oceans and seas, and though our people have different colours and lifestyles, the unique charm of our cultures bring us together and deepens our friendship,??? he said.

The Henan Cultural Performing Arts Group will perform Shaolin Kung Fu, which is an important part of Chinese martial arts and China???s traditional cultural system. They are expected to thrill audiences with various acrobatic techniques.

Adult and children tickets are available from the NCF, West Terrace; A & B Sounds, Sheraton Centre; Nu Look Boutique, Roebuck Street; Ticket Centre ??? Warrens and Fitts Village; Sure Pay, Haggatt Hall; Emerald City Supermarket, Six Roads; Sol Redmans Village; Lucky Horseshoe, Warrens; and KOMI, Kensington Oval.

Patrons may also purchase tickets online at www.ticketpal.com, or www.barbadoscropoverfestival.com.

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

Author: Shamkoe Pil??

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