Wave after wave of applause echoed in the Nairobi-based National
Theater of Kenya on Saturday night, with words like "terrific" and
"wonderful" from the audience accompanying the entire performance
by a Chinese acrobatic troupe.
The exquisite and superb performance by acrobats from China's
Yunnan Province made the troupe's debut in Kenya a great stir among
audience that include Kenyan government officials and members of
the diplomatic corps.
"It's simply wonderful and entertaining," claimed a local
journalist, who said that he wished he could learn some skills from
the acrobats.
"The performance by this troupe rekindles the good relationship
that Kenya and China have enjoyed over the years," said Joshua
Ojode, Kenyan assistant minister of Education, Science and
Technology.
Ojode recalled that in 1983, Kenya sent a group of 24 youths to
Guangdong Province in southern China, where for two years they
learned the rare skills in acrobatics. These artists introduced a
new form of excitement in the country's entertainment industry with
the resultant effects that even more and more acrobatic troupes
have been formed in Kenya, he said. Since Kenya and China signed a
cultural agreement, various programs geared towards implementation
of the agreement have been undertaken, and the performance by
Yunnan Acrobatic Troupe is one such program, the Kenyan official
noted.
"The government of Kenya attaches a lot of importance to the
cultural promotion and the development of performing arts such as
acrobatics, which is a vital entertainment and communication tool,"
he said.
Ojode expressed confidence that through increasing cultural
exchanges between Kenya and China, the relationship between the two
countries will be further enhanced.
"China-Kenya friendly relations have witnessed gratifying
development in recent years," said Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Du
Qiwen.
Cooperation in various fields, including cultural exchanges between
the two countries, has been continuously expanded, which is best
manifested by the performing tour in Kenya of Yunnan Acrobatic
Troupe.
The performing tour has taken on special significance by the fact
that it coincides with Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Kenya
scheduled to start on Tuesday, Du said.
Art is the universal language of mankind and the pursuit of beauty
transcends national boundaries, he said, adding cultural exchanges
are increasingly acting as a bridge to enhance understanding and
cooperation among various countries and peoples.
The Chinese acrobatic troupe arrived here on Friday to start a
week-long performing tour in the east African country. The troupe
have visited many countries and won many international awards.
During their visit, the troupe will also have discussions and
exchanges with their Kenyan counterparts.
(
April 22, 2002)