CHINESE OPERA paintings by Harry Weisburd, OBJECTS OF FOLKLORE, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Oakland,Calif. February 1, 2008---OPEN

CHINESE OPERA paintings by Harry Weisburd, OBJECTS OF FOLKLORE exhibition,Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth Street, Suite 290, Oakland,Ca. 94607 (Downtown Oakland, 2nd Floor). FEBRUARY 1, 2008-OPEN. Gallery hours, Tuesday--Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm.   For more information contact: April Kim, Project Manager, Email: akim@oacc.cc  or phone (510) 637-0455.

Chinese Opera has a tradition that is more than 200 years old.  Performers were only men who performed both men and women parts.  Today women are also performers and also perform both male and female parts.  Today to be a Super Star Opera Singer, the performer must be an excellent Singer, Dancer , Acrobat and have knowledge of Kung Fu movements.

The opera is performed in varius dialects depending on the the city the opera is performed in. They ncluded Mandarin and Cantonese.  The style of costumes ,makeup and scenic design will depend on the city in which it is performed.

I became inspired to create paintings of the Chinese Opera while watching performances on cable tv direct from China. The makeup is exquiste , the costumes are superb and the lighting and stage sets are brilliant.. The movment of men performing womens roles is extraordinary in graceful movement. The role of women playing men's parts is also extraordinary.