Editor's note: The hope for the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, with grassroots connections as its foundation. While the two countries have experienced ups and downs in their bilateral ties, it is the enduring friendship between their peoples that has consistently infused warmth and momentum into this relationship. As Jan. 1 marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, Xinhua is releasing a series of stories highlighting Americans who deeply appreciate Chinese culture and work actively to bridge the differences between the two nations.
BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The global success of China's acclaimed game "Black Myth: Wukong" has introduced the enchanting tale of Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, to audiences worldwide. But for Ghaffar Pourazar, a British-American dual citizen living in California, this legendary figure has been a part of his identity for decades.
Seated before the backstage mirror at Beijing's Liyuan Theater, an old Peking Opera venue especially popular among foreign travelers, Pourazar deftly applies white, red and black paint to his face, transforming it into the vibrant likeness of the mischievous Monkey King.
"How time flies! Look at you, an old monkey now!" remarks an elderly from the opera troupe. "Indeed, I am now a white-haired Monkey King," Pourazar, 63, replies in Mandarin, his distinctive Beijing accent evident.
Pourazar has spent the past three decades mastering Peking Opera, establishing himself as a rare foreign performer excelling in this traditional Chinese art, and earning the nickname "Western Monkey King" for his exceptional portrayal of the Chinese superhero from the classic novel "Journey to the West."
Currently, he travels between China and the United States, serving as a cultural ambassador, introducing the art of Peking Opera to Western audiences, and offering a unique perspective of the art to Chinese audiences. "I want to be a bridge between cultures," he said, reflecting on his multicultural background.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Pourazar's lifelong passion for Peking Opera began by chance. In 1993, 32-year-old Pourazar, then a computer animator, attended a performance at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and was instantly captivated.
"I was crying," he recalled. "I previously had a passion for various art forms, including acting, dancing, mime, and movement. But at that moment, everything else faded away. I saw the convergence of all these arts in Peking Opera."
He went to the backstage right after the show and made friends with the Chinese performers. "We didn't speak each other's language, but they could see my passion," Pourazar said.
With the help of the head of the Chinese troupe, Pourazar was enrolled at an opera school in Beijing. Just three months after his first exposure to Peking Opera, he left his life in Britain behind and moved to Beijing to train in the martial roles of the art.
Starting as an adult was not easy, as Peking Opera is a complex blend of vocal performance, mime, martial arts, dance and acrobatics. "My classmates were all children," he said. "As an adult without any basic skills, it is very hard for you to practice the movements."
In addition to the physical demands, mastering the Chinese language posed another hurdle. "I was constantly reciting the subtitles and songs, whether I was eating, bathing, walking, or even dreaming," Pourazar added.
"Though there were some extremely painful days, I enjoyed every moment," he said.
Initially, he focused on portraying ancient soldiers and generals like Wu Song and Lin Chong, before eventually transitioning to the iconic role of the Monkey King.
LIFELONG COMMITMENT
Pourazar believes that great art transcends languages. Over the years, he has devoted himself to introducing Peking Opera and Sun Wukong to international audiences, taking Chinese performers to perform in countries such as the United States, Britain and Malaysia.
He has also been teaching courses and organizing workshops in the United States, bringing Peking Opera to curious Western learners.
To better connect with Western audiences and learners, he adapted some classic plays such as "The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven" into English versions. "I changed the spoken parts into English and kept the original songs, and it became a success on the international stage," he said.
"I am the most powerful spirit in heaven and earth," Pourazar exclaims, dressed in a signature yellow costume reminiscent of the Monkey King. As he recites the dialogues in English with the distinctive intonation of Peking Opera, he leaps, flips and executes movements that capture the playful nature of the mischievous monkey. Despite not being Chinese, his efforts bring the essence of the Monkey King to life.
Over the past two decades, his captivating performances have introduced the enchanting character to numerous international audiences. "My young nephew, who lives in Turkey, has become so enamored with the Monkey King that he taught himself to perform this character," Pourazar said.
"I love the Monkey King for his simplicity and the inner child that defines his character. His love for freedom and quest for longevity are also qualities that I respect," he said. "I believe this character resonates with people of different cultures."
With an aim to enhance communication with Western audiences, he also adapted Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" into Peking Opera. "By presenting a story that the Western audiences are already familiar with, I hope to more effectively introduce them to the charm of Peking Opera," he said.
In recognition of his contributions, Pourazar received the Great Wall Friendship Award from the Beijing government in 2014.
Over the years, Pourazar has accumulated numerous injuries and health issues. His right knee now suffers from arthritis and edema due to excessive exertion during a recent Peking Opera workshop in California, yet he continues his efforts undeterred.
"I rely on traditional Chinese medicine when I am unwell or injured," he said while sipping Chinese green tea from an insulated bottle. He said his love for Chinese culture extends well beyond the Peking Opera, encompassing Chinese calligraphy, painting, cuisine and Kung Fu.
Despite his health challenges and advancing age, Pourazar remains committed to his artistic pursuits.
He is currently working on two Broadway-style musical projects, both influenced by the performance traditions of Peking Opera. The first, Dream of Wukong, explores his personal journey of mastering Peking Opera, while the second, Dr. Jane Goodall, tells the story of the renowned ecologist and her extensive work with chimpanzees.
"Cultural exchange should be reciprocal. I aim to blend my expertise in opera with my multicultural background to create enriching artistic experiences for the audiences," Pourazar said.
中新经纬2月18日电 据微信号“中国铁路”18日消息，2月17日正月初八，春节假期最后一天，全国铁路发送旅客1606.7万人次，连续4天刷新春运单日旅客发送量历史新高；春节假期(2月10日至17日)，全国铁路累计发送旅客9946万人次 2024年春节档观众满意度调查结果显示：4部影片超85分 中新网北京2月18日电(记者 上官云)记者从中国电影艺术研究中心获悉，中国电影观众满意度调查？2024年春节档调查结果显示，春节档观众满意度得分85.9分，为2015年以 春节初一至初七逾130万人次访港 内地游客占近九成 中新网2月18日电 据香港《文汇报》报道，据香港特区政府入境处统计，今年年初一至年初七(2月10日至16日)共录得逾130万人次旅客访港，接近2019年春节的水平(140万人 吃不完，根本吃不完！已经是年后的第三个工作日了。从全国各地陆续返回工位的人们，依然能回忆起被某种春节限定美食支配一整个假期的恐惧。“各省都有自己的噩梦”这个热搜年前就火了，但只有经历过“每 西安青岛居民3月6日起可办理往来港澳“个人旅游签注” 中新网2月23日电 据中华人民共和国出入境管理局网站消息，近日，国务院批准增加陕西省西安市、山东省青岛市为内地赴港澳“个人游”城市。中华人民共和国出入 钛白粉出口热度不减 多公司开启年内第二轮涨价 本报记者 黄 群 近日，国内钛白粉企业再度提价，2024年钛白粉第二轮涨价开启。2月20日，先是龙佰集团、惠云钛业宣布当日上调各型号钛白粉销售价格。2月21日，中核 。本文链接："Western Monkey King" takes Peking Opera to the worldhttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-39459-0.html
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