April 13, 2008 // Wheeler Auditorium // Doors open 7pm
The Culture Show
The annual Culture Show is a twenty year old tradition, primarily organized by the Berkeley Chinese Student Association. An entire year of planning, scriptwriting, and rehearsing culminates in this showcase of Chinese culture, which also includes student group and community performances.The Story
Our story begins in 1920s Shanghai, in a time of political and social turmoil. A family is torn by the father's opium addiction. The story follows the struggles of this family to survive and stay together during these harsh times. The oldest son, Rei Jie, puts his own life on the line by joining a gang. He gains the financial means to provide for his family, but life in a gang is never secure and carefree...
At the heart of this story is the tradition of filial piety and the importance of family. These values are important to the Chinese community, but moreover, is a value that anyone can understand and appreciate. All of us make sacrifices for peace and harmony within our families, whatever they may be.
We are all bound by blood, whether it be the blood of our kin or the promises of loyalty we have made to our friends.
The Performances
The culture show is not possible without the cooperation and participation of performance groups both on campus and in the larger Bay Area. This year, Bound By Blood features performances by Truelement, Cal Wushu, and the San Francisco Guzheng Music Society. In addition, we will also have a fusion dance and a martial arts choreographed fight scene!
Come to this year's CSA culture show to see a year's worth of work put on by Chinese Americans from all parts of the Berkeley campus!
