Chinese artists' show to help quake victims
When tragedy struck many of their family and friends during this month's Sichuan earthquake, area Chinese performers pooled their resources to do what they do best.
Members of the Naperville-based Dong Fang Chinese Performing Arts Association's dance troupe and orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn to raise money for the quake victims.
While the performance has been scheduled for months, association member Steve Smith said members "immediately galvanized" to find a way to help.
All of the group's forthcoming events, including Naperville's annual Golden Fall Moon Festival, have been converted into fundraisers.
Proceeds will be sent to the Chinese Consulate and the American Red Cross, which has been assisting the Chinese Red Cross.
"We had to do something because every single member of our group is from China or Taiwan," Smith said Thursday. "We know help will be needed for years to come so the first thing we should do is raise money using our core competency, which is performing."
Dong Fang, Smith said, means "eastern direction" or Oriental. The non-profit group, he said, was founded in 2005 as an umbrella organization encompassing several aspects of the Chinese arts including dance, theater, Chinese opera and Chinese variety arts and a chorus.
"We specifically attempt to reach out at our events to the non-Chinese speaking community," Smith said. "We are designed with the non-speakers in mind to introduce them to and help them enjoy the Chinese culture."
As for Saturday's performance, Smith said guests can expect to see colorful, exotic costumes and award-winning choreography danced by members of Dong Fang's Dance group.
There also will be samples of the exotic Beijing Opera.
"That's just something everyone should see," Smith said.
If you go
What: Naperville-based performing arts group performing a concert of dance and Beijing Opera for earthquake victims in China.
Where: McAninch Arts Center Theater on the College of DuPage Campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets: $15, $20, $30, $100.
Info: www.dongfangarts.org.