Art circle nurtures local folk culture
By Wing Tan |
November 16, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FOLK culture is alive and thriving in Songjiang District.
Within only 15 minutes from home, a Songjiang resident can find a cultural center to enjoy delights such as folk operas and rural dances and to share the fun with like-minded people.
Proximity is guaranteed by the district's "15-minute art circle," developed to bring folk art closer to the daily lives of residents.
Every day after dinner, Zhang Xingming, a 55-year-old farmer living in Changlou Village in Chedun Town, hums tunes from folk operas as he walks briskly to the local cultural center.
Zhang and fellow ancient instrument players are rehearsing the music from a folk opera they will perform at a wedding in a few days' time.
Since 2008, when the folk opera activity was set up in the cultural center, night rehearsals have been part of Zhang's daily routine.
"Before that, it took us at least one hour to get together for rehearsals in the town center," Zhang said. "It was so inconvenient for older people like me. We didn't have a stage, a teacher or a decent place to rehearse."
The construction of cultural centers in Songjiang's villages and neighborhoods has rekindled public interest and participation in the arts.
"Fewer people play mahjong at home now, and more go out to meet new friends in the art centers," Zhang said, with a smile of satisfaction. "Culture lovers have a broader platform to meet and share their interests. This might be the biggest change the 15-minute art circle has brought to us."
In art and cultural centers, there is something for everyone every day of the year, from operas and storytelling to lion dancing, paper cutting and embroidery sessions. Nearly all the activities are free.
The benefits of the centers spin out into the community. Village volunteers put on cultural performances for the elderly in nursing houses, for migrant workers at construction sites and for soldiers stationed in Songjiang.
Ding Yi, 64, said the 15-minute art circle has transformed her life. She moved to Songjiang's Yueyang Community four years ago from the downtown Shanghai district of Xuhui.
"I was afraid that I would be lonely after moving here," she said, "but to my surprise, I've made more friends than I had downtown."
Each morning, the community's central garden is alive with groups of exercisers doing tai chi, silk fan dancing and "hands-pushing" ? an ancient exercise that improves upper limb muscles.
"With just a smile, you are in," Ding said.
Every Thursday night Auntie Ding sings with 30 other grandparents in the community cultural center. Their senior choir gives free shows during the holidays and festivals.
"Of course we're not professionals," she said, "but everyone is quite serious about singing. We care about each other just like a big family. When we sing, we try to convey joy and friendship to the audience."
Within only 15 minutes from home, a Songjiang resident can find a cultural center to enjoy delights such as folk operas and rural dances and to share the fun with like-minded people.
Proximity is guaranteed by the district's "15-minute art circle," developed to bring folk art closer to the daily lives of residents.
Every day after dinner, Zhang Xingming, a 55-year-old farmer living in Changlou Village in Chedun Town, hums tunes from folk operas as he walks briskly to the local cultural center.
Zhang and fellow ancient instrument players are rehearsing the music from a folk opera they will perform at a wedding in a few days' time.
Since 2008, when the folk opera activity was set up in the cultural center, night rehearsals have been part of Zhang's daily routine.
"Before that, it took us at least one hour to get together for rehearsals in the town center," Zhang said. "It was so inconvenient for older people like me. We didn't have a stage, a teacher or a decent place to rehearse."
The construction of cultural centers in Songjiang's villages and neighborhoods has rekindled public interest and participation in the arts.
"Fewer people play mahjong at home now, and more go out to meet new friends in the art centers," Zhang said, with a smile of satisfaction. "Culture lovers have a broader platform to meet and share their interests. This might be the biggest change the 15-minute art circle has brought to us."
In art and cultural centers, there is something for everyone every day of the year, from operas and storytelling to lion dancing, paper cutting and embroidery sessions. Nearly all the activities are free.
The benefits of the centers spin out into the community. Village volunteers put on cultural performances for the elderly in nursing houses, for migrant workers at construction sites and for soldiers stationed in Songjiang.
Ding Yi, 64, said the 15-minute art circle has transformed her life. She moved to Songjiang's Yueyang Community four years ago from the downtown Shanghai district of Xuhui.
"I was afraid that I would be lonely after moving here," she said, "but to my surprise, I've made more friends than I had downtown."
Each morning, the community's central garden is alive with groups of exercisers doing tai chi, silk fan dancing and "hands-pushing" ? an ancient exercise that improves upper limb muscles.
"With just a smile, you are in," Ding said.
Every Thursday night Auntie Ding sings with 30 other grandparents in the community cultural center. Their senior choir gives free shows during the holidays and festivals.
"Of course we're not professionals," she said, "but everyone is quite serious about singing. We care about each other just like a big family. When we sing, we try to convey joy and friendship to the audience."
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