Time Transit with CCS

On the coming 29th Feburary and 1st march, NYJCians and their friends alike can look forward to the Chinese Cultural Society’s (CCS) production, dubbed “wo men de bai yun gang 2008”. However, this year’s annual large-scale performance promises a refreshing change from those of previous years, as it will be a never-been-done 90 minutes single play, a break from their “tradition” of doing two short plays within one production.

Synopsis

This year’s play revolves around the theme of love, family ties, and disputes. An interesting array of characters is also portrayed:

Ling’er is a privileged girl, whose ‘happy family’ is unfortunately shattered by the unexpected appearance of her illegitimate sister, xiao da. Xiao da, however, is just as ill-fated, as she suffers from the torment of the tyranny of Ling’er. At the same time, Yu Ning, having been unknowingly betrayed by her boyfriend, is so affected that it resulted in a dramatic transition in her character, which cumulates into a tragedy. Finally, Tian Che, having to face living under the shadow of his best friend, chooses to inflict pain onto himself as an extreme form of self-redemption...

Getting all dolled up: cast for Bai Yun Gang prepares for rehearsal

Face-to-face: interview with the CCS publicity crew

NYX: What is so special about this year’s production?
CCS: Our Bai Yun Gang 2008 is definitely a production worth waiting for. We took up a new challenge this year by incorporating both ancient and modern elements into a single play. Despite our limited resources and time constraints, we managed to get hold of the ezquisite props required. The ancient costumes were all meticulously sewn by our production crew. Another highlight is the breakthrough of having A showtime of 90 minutes of our play, instead of the usual tradition of having two or more short plays.

Guys need make-up too : especially when it comes to stage productions...

NYX: What inspired this year’s story?
CCS: This story was inspired by the legend “Feng Shen Bang” as well as the novel “yin zhen chuan qi” The latter was written by the Japanese author Xing Xin Yi.

Last-minute prep for the rehearsal

NYX: How does the crew and cast cope with practices, production meetings, as well as the tedious J2 work all at the same time?
CCS: To strike a delicate balance between involvement in CCA and school work, it is a matter of good time management and full commitment at our end.

CCS is the only arts CCA in nyjc to have sustained performances over two days, a testimony to the show’s consistent draw. Furthermore, what isn’t worth it, spending the amount a movie ticket might cost for a rare night of bonding in school with your friends to watch a live performance. So grab your tickets before it is too late!

By Neo Ping May