Sichuan Puppet Troupe highlights Lantern Festival
A rare performance by the Sichuan Puppet Troupe will provide a unique glimpse into Chinese culture Sunday during the Xilin Lantern Festival at Naperville's North Central College.
It's only the second time the troupe has toured in the United States - the first was in January on the West Coast - and Naperville organizers say they expect audiences here to be mesmerized by the group's artistry as it brings adult-size puppets to life.
The troupe is based in the Sichuan Opera House in Chengdu, China. Its puppets, controlled by sticks and strings, perform a variety of traditional Chinese art forms, including calligraphy, ribbon dance and "face-changing" movements.
Sue-lin Chao, one of the fest's organizers, says the troupe's appearance will be a highlight of the festival designed "to give people a taste of what China is like."
"Lantern Festival, Beauty of the East" is sponsored by the Naperville Xilin Art Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Asians in the Western suburbs. The fest reflects a traditional Chinese observance that marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations.
Performances will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at North Central's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., and are made possible through a grant from Naperville's cultural fund. Organizers say they expect the event to be a sellout.
The fourth annual show is being directed and choreographed for the first time by Yang Qiang, an award-winning dance instructor who graduated from China's Beijing Ballet Dance Institute and who served as choreographer and dance troupe director for China's nationally acclaimed National Song and Dance Ensemble for nearly a decade.
He's working with a cast of nearly 100 local and guest performers, and Xilin Executive Director Linda Yang couldn't be more excited about it.
"You will see beautiful, very classical and legendary dances," she said.
In addition to the Chinese dance, music and puppets, there will be a special performance of the Monkey King based on a mythological character from the novel "Journey to the West."
Tickets for the Lantern Festival are $10 for general seating and $20 for VIP seating. They may be purchased in advance at the Xilin Art Center, 1163 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 301, in Naperville or - if seats remain - at the door.
If you go
What: Xilin Lantern Festival
Who: Sponsored by the Naperville Xilin Art Center
When: 5 p.m. Sunday, April 19
Where: North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville
Cost: $10 for general admission, $20 for VIP seating
Info: (630) 355-4322 or xilin.org