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Thursday, December 16, 1993 - 19:30

American Design and Chinese Theatres

Eldon Elder, Fulbright Distinguished Lecturer,

Central Academy of Drama;

School of Architecture, Qinghua University

BIS is most fortunate to seize the presence of Mr. Eldon Elder while he is in Beijing as a Fulbright Distinguished Lecturer at the Central Academy of Drama and Qinhua University's School of Architecture. A well-known stage designer and theatre consultant with his own company is New York, drawing from Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theatre, and opera, with examples of traditional and avant-garde styles. Because he is here to share ideas and expertise with Chinese designers; Mr. Elder's talk will focus on American theatre, but he will welcome questions on Chinese trends.
Tuesday, December 7, 1993 - 19:00

Outing: Tianqiao Teahouse

How odd, how fitting that one can find the holiday spirit while recreating a 1930s Teahouse Theatre. Beijing's Tianqiao (Bridge of Heaven) area, south on Qianmen Dajie and West of the Temple of Heaven, was once known for its colorful night life. As early as the Tuan Dynasty, storytellers, dancers, acrobats, magicians, and musicians transformed street life into theatre. After 40 austere years, the area is reviving, and its centerpiece is the Tianqiao Teahouse, where 200 guests can travel back in time to enjoy a colorful setting, lively performance, endless tea, and savories served by...
Wednesday, November 24, 1993 - 19:30

Reflections on the Bicentenary of Lord McCartney's Mission to China

Prof. Zhang Zhilian,

Professor of Modern European History, Beijing University

In a further lecture in our “East Meets West” series, Professor Zhang Zhilian, Professor of Modern European History at Beijing University, will talk about Britain's first attempt to establish relations with China at the end of the 18th century. In mid-September this year, Professor Zhang – who has been awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor for his work in French history – organized a well-supported international symposium marking the bicentenary of this mission. It was held in Chengde to coincide with the date and place that Lord McCartney came face to face with Qing Emperor...
Saturday, November 13, 1993 - 10:00

Outing: Bai Yun Guan and Confucian Temple

Prof. Ding Wangdao

From the enthusiastic audience that greeted Professor Ding Wangbao's September 28th lecture on Daoism and Confucianism came this suggestion: Why not have an outing to the Bai Yun Guan (White Cloud Daoist Temple) and the Confucian Temple? And why not ask Professor Ding to accompany us? Here is our opportunity. The Bai Yun Guan is dedicated to The Way, which – as we learned from Professor Ding – only over time was enshrined as religion. While the site dates back to the Tang dynasty, Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan elevated the temple's importance and made it the center of Daoism in N....
Saturday, November 6, 1993 - 08:00

Outing: Dule Si and Huang Ya Pass

Prof. Wu Menglin

Mrs. Wu Menglin, already known to BIS members for her knowledge of Beijing's historical sites, will accompany us to two unique places about 100 kilometers east of Beijing. The first is Dule Si, built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and rebuilt during the Liao Dynasty in 984. This 1009 year old temple has been declared of national importance, partly due to the on-site scientific documentation accomplished by Mrs. Wu. It contains Liao clay statues, Yuan (1206-1368) frescoes, and the first multistoried building in North China. It will be our privilege to visit Dule Si just before it is closed...
Thursday, November 4, 1993 - 19:30

Embroideries and Tapestries

Prof. Wang Yarong, Institute of History,

Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Many BIS members have heard Professor Wang Yarong of the Institute of History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences give a fascinating talk about ancient Chinese embroideries and textiles. Professor Wang is a specialist in the history of textiles, dyes, weaving, folk embroidery, clothes, and fashion in ancient China. For this event, she will speak about Ming and Qing embroideries and present samples for our inspection. She will also bring some of her beautifully worked reproductions of ancient Chinese embroideries and costumes produced by a small “cottage industry” in Shandong Province...
Saturday, October 30, 1993 - 09:00

Outing: Yun Ju Si, Dwelling in the Clouds Temple

In the Sui Dynasty (589 – 618) the monk Jingwan began the carving of the Buddhist texts in stone – a job which was continued for more than 1000 years under the Tang, Liao, Jin, Yuan and Ming dynasties. Today we can see the complete inscriptions on 14,620 rocks and steles in the largest collection of early Buddhist scriptures on stone in China – indeed in the whole world. It is unparalleled in several respects: the scale of the project, the length of time taken to complete it, the abundance of material and the magnificence of the site. Although the Tang dynasty temple buildings were...
Thursday, October 21, 1993 - 19:30

Film: Raise the Red Lantern (Da Hong Denglong Gao Gao Gua)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

BIS is happy to be able to show Zhang Yimou's outstanding film Raise the Red Lanterns. Like his other films, it won acclaim and prizes abroad before being seen by Chinese audiences – today his works are all being screened here. This film is set in pre-1949 China and describes life under the solid roof of landlord Chen with his wife and two concubines. The incomparable Gong Li stars as the fourth woman; the recently acquired concubine. Rivalry and intrigue follow as each woman strives to be the favorite of the imperious Chen. Raise the Red Lanterns will be shown with...
Wednesday, October 13, 1993 - 19:30

China's Modern Revolution (1898-1912) and the Role of Japan

Dr. Douglas R. Reynolds, Associate Professor,

Chinese and Japanese History,

Georgia State University

This topic, full of surprises, will be presented by Dr. Douglas R. Reynolds, an American academic who has lived and studied in China an Japan for some fourteen years. He is an Associate Professor of Chinese and Japanese history at Georgia State University, expanding on his recent book: China 1898-1912: The Xinzheng Revolution and Japan. He will give us his original interpretation of China's modern revolution.
Saturday, October 9, 1993 - 10:00

Outing: Beijing's Western Waterways

Michael Crook; Liu Weidong

This very special outing was planned by Michael Crook who, with Liu Weidong of the Relics Bureau, will be our guide. We will begin with a stop at the Hui Tong Ci which is located just south of the second ring road, at the northern end of Xihai Lake. Then, from Yuyuantan Park we will take a 50-minute boat ride along the Beijing-Miyun Canal to the southern end of Kunming Lake. The many noteworthy sights along the way – a Qing dynasty munitions factory, for example – will be explained. When we disembark at the back gate of the Summer Palace it will be time to eat. So do bring a picnic lunch...
Thursday, October 7, 1993 - 19:30

Peking Opera

Ione Meyer, Beijing Opera School

Ione Meyer who has recently graduated from the Beijing Opera School after three years of study, will give us a talk about this art form. Most foreigners who go to watch opera here do not understand its finer points, indeed they are lucky if they understand anything at all. Ione will help us to appreciate this type of total theatre by demonstrating the meanings of some of the stylized movements and the special make up. She will also demonstrate the characteristic style of singing and say something about the musical accompaniment. Ione has mainly concentrated on acrobatics and martial arts,...
Tuesday, September 21, 1993 - 19:30

History of Chinese Dance

Dai Ailian, Dancer, Choreographer, Director

Dai Ailian is China's most celebrated authority on dance. She is (or has been) a dancer, choreographer, director, teacher, coach, notator, researcher and author. She is still in demand as a lecturer throughout the world. In her fifty-year career so far she has been involved in ballet, modern dance, Chinese folk and classical dance. Born in Trinidad, she studied in the UK under several well-known dance teachers then first came to China during the Sino-Japanese war. Since then Dai Ailian has been intimately involved with the development of ballet and Chinese dance. She is also well known for...
Saturday, September 18, 1993 - 10:00

Outing: Da Jue Si

We will begin this new BIS season with an outing to Beijing's beautiful Western hills where Da Jue Si lies at the foot of Yangtai Hill. The first temple on this site was built in the Liao dynasty, it was called Clear Stream Court after the spring that still flows through the temple grounds, and the stele from that era can still be seen. The main halls of the present temple and the images within are Ming dynasty. The trees and flowers in the surrounding gardens are especially lovely. There is a fine old stupa as well. Do bring a picnic lunch – and we hope to be able to take a walk in the...
Thursday, June 17, 1993 - 19:30

Yi Jing (Book of Changes)

Li Yan, Central Academy of Art and Design

The Classical Taoist Yi Jing or Book of Changes has drawn the attention of scientists all over the world. In many countries, decision makers – political, economic and financial alike – use it to calculate the optimum chances for attaining a certain goal. During the historical development of the Chinese people it played a tremendous role influencing the formation of the Chinese civilization, traditions, ideology and theory of statecraft. For the emperors of each dynasty the presence of a person versed in Yi Jing, capable of forecasting events and their influence upon the...
Saturday, June 5, 1993 - 19:00

Concert: Classical Temple Music at Zhi Hua Si

There will be a full moon on the 5th of June and we are pleased to be able to offer our members a very special treat – to enjoy 500 year-old music in the Great Hall of the Zhi Hua Temple, built in the eighth year of the Zhengtong Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Zhi Hua Si classical temple music is the only well preserved Chinese classical music. It has been played uninterruptedly, unaltered for 28 generations. It is treasured in China and highly appreciated abroad as well, for its artistic and historic value. A group of monks, musicians in their twilight years, and revered as “...
Friday, June 4, 1993 - 19:30

The Tiger in Early Chinese Art

Dr. Sarah Allan, Lecturer,

School of Oriental and African Studies,

London University

Dr. Sarah Allan, a lecturer at the School of Oriental and African Studies at London University, is in China to give a paper on the tiger in Early Chinese Art at the conference at Beida (Beijing University), to be held after the opening of the Sackler Museum. Her specialties include oracle bones and Dunhuang, and she is also involved in the preparation of books about Chinese bronzes and oracle collections in Europe.
Thursday, May 27, 1993 - 19:30

Film: Four Holy Buddhist Mountains, Part I

Made by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this beautiful documentary takes us to the four holy mountains of China. Famous for their scenery, they also are home to some of Chinese Buddhism's principle holy places. With magnificent temples as background, the film aims to introduce the life of monks and nuns in China today, and to present the origins of Buddhism and the profound spirituality of the believers. The narration is done entirely in Chinese, so we will be given - ahead of time - an introduction and synopsis in English, by a scholar from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences....
Thursday, May 20, 1993 - 19:30

Novelist Lao She

Wang Xingzhi, Vice-President,

China Lao She Research Society

Mr. Wang Xingzhi, vice-president of the China Lao She Research Society and a member of the Literature Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, will give a talk on the novelist Lao She and his relationship to the city of Beijing. Among Lao She's best known works are the novel, Rickshaw and the play Teahouse. Lao She is famous for his vividly detailed descriptions of Beijing and the lives of ordinary Beijingers in the early part of this century. Wang Xingzhi, who knew Lao She in the 1960s, is a close friend of the family and is writing a biography of Lao She. To...
Friday, May 14, 1993 - 19:30

The Classical Tradition of Tomb Sculpture

Ann Paludan, Author, The Imperial Ming Tombs and The Chinese Spirit Road

Ms. Ann Paludan, author of The Imperial Ming Tombs and The Chinese Spirit Road, will talk about the evolution and history of the classical tradition of stone sculpture in China, with examples of statuary from the 2nd century BC until this century. Long before the arrival of Buddhism, a Chinese sculptural tradition evolved, which is seen in its purest form in the thousands of monumental statues lining the spirit road leading to important tombs. Through an association of stone with ancestor worship at the tomb, this tradition has been kept alive among peasant...
Saturday, May 8, 1993 - 10:00

Outing: Silver Hill Pagodas

Wu Menglin

The Pagoda Forest on the Silver Hill, one of the great sights in Changping Country, is not only a place where the largest number of pagodas are concentrated in China, but also an important historic spot. In the early part of the Tang dynasty (618 – 907) the Fuoyan Temple, the largest in the Beijing area, was built and famous monks taught Buddhism there. Today, only its foundation can be seen. Fourteen beautiful pagodas still stand there, dating back to the Jin dynasty (1115 – 1234). Ms. Wu Menglin will be our guide. Those fond of exercise may climb up to the Cave Facing the Sun and take a...
Wednesday, April 28, 1993 - 19:30

The Theatre in China

Xiao Man, Associate Editor-in-chief,

Chinese Theatre Press

In the context of East meets West & West meets East, we are happy that Ms. Xiao Man, Associate Editor in Chief of the Chinese Theatre Press, and a lifelong researcher into the history of theatre in China, will trace this development for us, and compare and contrast it with the development of European theatre. She will show us some video clips.
Tuesday, April 20, 1993 - 19:30

The Charm of Chinese Painting

Ye Yuzhong, Vice-President,

Central Academy of Fine Arts;

Wu Manyi, Professor

A talk by Professor Ye Yuzhong, Vice-President of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, will be given in the context of an exhibition of his works and those of his wife Wu Manyi, who also teaches at the academy. Professor Ye's talk will cover the use of the traditional tools and materials of the Chinese painter: silk fabric, Xuan paper, brushes, colors and inks. Different types of brushwork, subject matter, inspiration and emotional input will also be discussed. Both painters spent many years in Xinjiang: we will hear about the deep influence the area has had upon their work. Professor Ye will...
Tuesday, April 13, 1993 - 19:00

Naxi Tongba Art

Zhang Chunhe, Labajuma

Against the background of an exhibition of Naxi Tongba art, including some of his own works, Mr. Zhang Chunhe, Labajuma, a Naxi artist, will give us a lecture about his people and their Tongba culture. There are 250,000 Naxi living mainly in Yunnan province; their culture, called Tongba, has its roots in the Tongba religion in which elements of Bon Shamanism, Taoism, and Buddhism may be found.
Saturday, April 10, 1993 - 10:00

Outing: Jie Tai Si

Jie Tai Si, some 40 km from Beijing in the beautiful Western Hills, takes its name from its marble period ordination altar. First built in the Tang dynasty, the temple also contains a Liao dynasty stupa and a Jin dynasty stele. The temple was extensively restored during the Ming and Qing periods. Texts of Buddhist sutras cover the stone pillars, and in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas, finely carved Buddha images have been preserved. An expert guide will give us the background to the relevant aspects of Buddhism.
Saturday, March 27, 1993 - 10:00

The Dream of Red Mansions

Professor Zhou Ruchang, Scholar,

The Dream of Red Mansions

This 18th century work by Cao Xueqin, has for years provided scholars with much matter for study. A literary masterpiece, written with great psychological insight, deep and subtle characterizations, the work is also a quintessential source for anyone wanting to understand Chinese life and culture of that time, the poetry and music, food and fashions, manners and artifacts. In the splendid surroundings of the Daguanyuan (Grand View Gardens), we will see the replicas of all the principal pavilions and courtyards mentioned in the book.
Thursday, March 18, 1993 - 19:30

Concert: Chamber Trio, Central Conservatory of Music

Qu Chang, violinist;

Tang Yue, cellist;

Li Zhenyin, pianist

Three young students from the Central Conservatory, who have been selected to participate in the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition in April 1993, will perform an evening of chamber music for BIS. The musicians are Qu Chang, violin, age 17; Tang Yue, celle, age 16; and Li Zhenyin, piano, age 16. The pianist won second place in Barcelona last year in the Maria Callas Competition; the other two musicians have won national awards and competitions in China.
Wednesday, March 17, 1993 - 09:00

Outing: History of Porcelain, Ming and Qing Dynasties

Wang Liying, Porcelain specialist

Porcelain, or China, as it is often called, is one of the greatest creations of this land. As early as the 16th century it was sought after in faraway countries. Its transparency and delicate shapes adorned many European palaces; it was a real status symbol. Ms. Wang Liying will once again guide members through a collection of some of the most exquisite pieces of Ming and Qing dynasty porcelains.
Thursday, February 25, 1993 - 19:30

Calligraphy

Prof. Ouyang Zhongshan, Calligrapher and Teacher

Chinese ideography, developed from pictography, offers artists immense scope for creating works of art with profound philosophical meaning. The way in which a calligrapher conducts a brush over the paper – flowing now with big, bold strokes, now with delicate, carefully drawn lines – demonstrates a kind of skill that can only be attained after years of practice, a skill which also allows the artist to express a state of mind, an attitude, and even emotions like love, sorrow or hope. Three well-known Chinese calligraphers will demonstrate their skill, will introduce us to their art and help...
Wednesday, February 17, 1993 - 10:00

Visit: Residence of Guo Moruo

Guo Pingying, Daughter of Guo Moruo

Those BIS members interested in the life and works of the late Guo Moruo will have the opportunity of being guided by his daughter, Mrs. Guo Pingying, through the mansion where her famous father spent the last fifteen years of his life. Mrs. Guo will explain some of the works of this very prestigious Chinese intellectual and will share with us some family anecdotes. Guo Moruo was born in 1892 in Sichuan. Having studied medicine in Japan, he returned to China in 1921 and founded, in the aftermath of the 4th of May 1919 Movement, the Society of Modern Chinese Revolutionary Literature. After...
Thursday, February 11, 1993 - 19:00

The History of Chinese Oil Painting

Liu Xiaochun, Ph.D.,

Institute of Art Research

Professor Liu Xiaochun, Ph.D. in the theory of art and art critic at the Institute of Art Research, will give us a lecture about the beginnings of oil painting in China, its development and national characteristics. We will learn about the first oil paintings done by Jesuit missionaries as early as 1581 and about the way this technique was gradually introduced and integrated into Chinese fine arts during the 20th century. Oil paintings by contemporary Chinese artists will be on display and we hope that some of the artists will be present as well.
Thursday, February 4, 1993 - 19:30

Film: Lao Jing (The Old Well)

Directed by Zhang Yimou

This 1987 film was directed by Wu Tianming. Zhang Yimou, now himself one of China's best-known film directors, is the male lead, and Liang Yuyin plays opposite him. The scene is a village high in the mountains of Shaanxi which has been cursed for centuries with a lack of water. We see the tenacity of the villagers as they struggle to maintain their home. A love triangle of suppressed emotion is interwoven with the drama as the search for water continues against all odds and despite incredible hardship. The cinematography, by Zhang Yimou and Chen Wancai, is very beautiful.
Saturday, January 30, 1993 - 09:00

Outing: Old Beijing Sites

Wu Menglin, Research Institute of Ancient Architecture;

Michael Crook

As a follow-up to the lecture on January 29, Mrs. Wu Menglin will take us to see remnants of the Yuan Dynasty city walls and two sections of Ming Dynasty city walls. One of the latter, near the railway station, is scheduled to be torn down; the other, Xi Bian Men, is the intersection of the inner and outer city walls. In addition, we will visit De Sheng Men, the only outer city gate which remains standing. We will conclude our tour by examining the Sacred Road leading to the Temple of the Sun (Ritan Park). This is the only one of the original four Sacred Roads in the city that still exists...
Friday, January 29, 1993 - 19:30

Old Beijing Sites

Wu Menglin, Research Institute of Ancient Architecture

Mrs. Wu Menglin, a research fellow with the Research Institute of Ancient Architecture, is very much in love with Beijing's old city walls, buildings, and historic sites. In every country, modernization takes place at the expense of certain historic places of interest. This is a problem now in China. The question is what to preserve and what to do away with for the sake of development. Mrs. Wu will give a talk about many of Beijing's most treasured ancient sites and describe their present state as well as their chances for preservation and possible restoration.
Monday, January 18, 1993 - 19:30

Two Traditions of Chinese Drama: Peking Opera and the Yi People's Mask Dance

Ione Meyer, Beijing Opera School

Ione Meyer's interest in traditional Chinese drama was first stimulated seven years ago when one of her teachers at the national youth drama festival in Britain described the techniques used in Peking Opera. She decided to pursue this interest by coming to China to study at the Beijing Opera School. In 1991, and earlier this year, she gave highly commended public performances of extracts from well-known Peking Operas. She also wished to learn about older tradition of drama in China, and in 1991, she visited Guizhou to about the traditional dance of the Yi people in the district of Weining...
Wednesday, January 13, 1993 - 19:30

Outing: History of Porcelain, Part II: Ming and Qing Dynasties

Porcelain, or China, was a great creation of this land. As early as the 16th century, it was very much sought after in the world market. Its transparency and delicate shape adorned many European palaces and mansions, becoming a status symbol. Following the December 8 lecture on proto-porcelain, we will now have the opportunity to learn about the porcelains produced in China during the Ming and Qing eras by listening to a talk given by a top specialist of the Gugong Museum on this topic. At the same time, we will be able to admire some of the most exquisite pieces kept in this...