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.
(经济观察)花式玩法点亮中国春节旅游市场 中新社北京2月18日电 题：花式玩法点亮中国春节旅游市场 中新社记者 刘文文 餐厅爆满、景区门票售罄、热门酒店“一房难求”……春节假期，中国旅游市场一片红火。 本报讯 记者付朝欢报道 为贯彻落实《数字中国建设整体布局规划》工作部署，摸清数据资源底数，加快数据资源开发利用，更好发挥数据要素价值，国家数据局综合司、中央网信办秘书局、工业和信息化部办公厅、 最高检：对未成年人实施网络暴力依法从重处罚 中新网2月23日电 据最高人民检察院微博消息，2月23日，最高人民检察院法律政策研究室主任高景峰在访谈时介绍，对网络暴力违法犯罪，应当体现从严惩治精神，依法严肃追究，切实 “中新免签朋友圈”效应：春节赴新游同比涨960% 带动“新马泰”线路 21世纪经济报道 胡慧茵 春节是新加坡重要的节日。每到农历新年，新加坡的大街小巷就洋溢起浓浓的年味。 “在新加坡唐人街牛车水，我们看 新国标实施一周年 中国婴配乳粉注册工作取得成效 中新社北京2月22日电 (记者 刘亮)记者22日从中国国家市场监管总局获悉，自婴幼儿配方食品新国标(以下称新国标)发布实施后，中国婴幼儿配方乳粉(以下称婴配乳粉)产 中国一汽审计与法务部总经理闫锋接受纪律审查和监察调查 中新网2月22日电 据中央纪委国家监委网站，据中国一汽纪委、吉林省纪委监委消息：中国一汽审计与法务部总经理闫锋涉嫌严重违纪违法，目前正接受中国一汽纪委 。本文链接："Western Monkey King" takes Peking Opera to the worldhttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-39459-0.html
声明：本网站为非营利性网站，本网页内容由互联网博主自发贡献，不代表本站观点，本站不承担任何法律责任。天上不会到馅饼，请大家谨防诈骗！若有侵权等问题请及时与本网联系，我们将在第一时间删除处理。
上一篇： 万人说新疆|为了他们的晴朗