}
KWSAN REVIEWS
OPERA: long, tedious
By MARILYN McMULLEN Kansan staff writer
As the final offering in the 1970 KU Festival of Oriental Theater, "Black Dragon Residence," a Peking Opera production, presented by a troupe from the University of Colorado, proved to be long, tedious, and, in a limited way, amusing. As an art form it could be appreciated, but unless one could remain fascinated by the unusual production techniques used, the opera was not often enjoyable.
The drama, which moved much too slowly, was based on a group of chapters from a 16th century Chinese novel which translates as "All Men Are Brothers." It concerns a group of bandits who are fighting corrupt government, and are aided by sung Chiang, a court scribe. Chiang's mistress decides to marry her young lover, and plots against Chiang so that he will permit the marriage. Her convinquisces eventually result in her murder.
Credit must be given to the director, Daniel S. P. Yang, for his attempt to preserve the authenticity of original Peking opera, and to the actors who performed well in a difficult medium. The costumes were breathtaking and characterization was maintained remarkably well.
The opera fell down in its mechanics only. Operatic numbers, which grated on Occidental ears, were dubbed. Most of the libretto was spoken. Arias were translated into English on slides which were projected as the actors tried to lip-sync the Chinese lyrics.
A live percussion ensemble punctuated key scenes with dissident but rhythmic blendings of cymbals, gong and woodblock which were reminiscent of the musical accompaniment of Tup-Tim's rendition of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in "The King and I."
Yang said in his program notes that only the second, third and sixth scenes of "Black Dragon Residence" are performed on the Chinese stage. Perhaps the production would have been more enjoyable if the first, fourth and fifth scenes had not been added for this American production.
Concert unusual
By MARILYN McMULLEN Kansan Staff Writer
The KU Brass Choir concert, scheduled for 8 p.m. tonight, holds promise of a fine program which, in the words of Kenneth G. Bloomquist, director of KU bands, "covers the full gambit of brass music."
Conducting the concert will be Bloomquist and Frank Brown, instructor in low brass.
The choir, said Bloomquist, will be divided into two or three sections placed around University Theatre. Bloomquist added he hoped the audience would be able to occupy the balcony only to fully benefit from the unusual musical effects made possible by unique staging.
Opening the program will be three pieces by Giovanni Gabrieli, a 16th century composer. Bloomquist described Gabrieli's compositions as works from the Golden Age of Brass.
Following the Gabrieli pieces will be "Fanfare for the Common Man" by the contemporary American composer, Aaron Copland. "A Requiem in Our Time," by Eino Ratavaara, will complete
"Sinfonia No. 3," written by the American composer Walter S. Hartley in 1963, will be followed by "Angels for Muted Brass," by Carl Rugges.
Apr. 13
1970 KANSAN 5
the first half of the program. The piece comprises four movements.
"Music for Eight Brass Instruments," by David R. Hoslinger, will be the fifth contemporary offering. The program will close with "Fanfare," by Hugo Montengro. The work has been recorded by jazz artist Stan Kenton.
"The program will embrace brass music in Baroque, contemporary and jazz styles," Bloomquist said.
Weather
Strong wind warning. Slowly decreasing cloudiness and colder today. Chance of scattered drizzle or light rain. West to northwest winds 25 to 40 mph and higher in gusts diminishing this afternoon. High temperature upper 40s. Partly cloudy tonight and Tuesday. Not so cold Tuesday. Low tonight lower 30s. Precipitation probability today 20 per cent, tonight and Tuesday 10 per cent.
TAU SIGMA
presents its
Spring Dance Concert
Sat., April 18, 8:20 Sun., April 19, 3:30 at The Experimental Theatre in Murphy
Guest Artist Marsha Baludan
tickets $1.50 adults .50 children free with student I.D.
BRASS CHOIR—see story this page.
tickets available in Dance Office, Robinson or at the door
Tuesday
On campus this week
Monday
"LA STRADA" (KU Film Society) - Federico Fellini's gentle masterpiece, starring Giulietta Masina and Anthony Quinn; 1954. (7 and 9 p.m. in Dyche Auditorium.)
KATHERINE PIRTLE — Performing on the organ, she will give her student recital at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
Wednesday
"CHILDREN OF PARADISE"
(Classical Film)- Stylistic French comedy-drama of backstage life, directed by Marcel Carne. Made in 1944, during the German occupation. (8 p.m., in Woodruff Aud.)
DAVID BUSHOUSE—He will play the French horn in a faculty recital at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
"THE GENERAL" (Special Films)—Buster Keaton's amazing comedy taken from a true Civil
Thursday
War story; 1926. (7 p.m. in Woodruff Aud.)
CHARLIE CHAPLIN SHORTS (Special Films)-Three of his best: "The Rink," "Easy Street," and "The Pawnbshop." (9 p.m. in Woodruff Aud.)
BALLET WEST — This company of 50 will perform as part of the KU Concert Course at 8:20 p.m. in Hoch Aud.
LONG LIST
STARTS Wed. Limited Engagement
CAIRO (UPI) — Travelers now know why a passenger arriving at Cairo Airport needs lots of patience.
The influential newspaper Al Ahram has revealed that one reason it takes so long to go through airport red tape is that the names of many arrivals are checked against a list of "unwelcome" visitors. The list contains 70,000 names.
NOW SHOWING Evening 7:20-9:30 Adults 1.50, Child .75 ENDS TUESDAY
presenting...
THE ESTES PARK EXPERIENCE
A program designed to put MEANING, FUN & MONEY into a student's summer job
- WORK - DISCOVER - PARTICIPATE -
MORE THAN JUST A JOB
It is a UNIQUE PROGRAM designed in cooperation with the Estes Park business community. This student-oriented summer employment program offers a kaleidoscope of activities . . . seminars . . . workshops . . . dances . . in Estes Park, Colorado. The activities program is designed to appeal to TODAY'S STUDENT . . . the student who seeks more from summer employment than mere money.
Plan to attend the film presentation. Recruiting will be available.
● Date: April 20 ● Time: 7:30 p.m. ● Place, Forum Room, Kansas Union
Estes Park Summer Employment c/o Trimarc Corporation First National Bank, Estes Park, Colo. 80521