Editor's note: The hope for the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, with grassroots connections as its foundation. While the two countries have experienced ups and downs in their bilateral ties, it is the enduring friendship between their peoples that has consistently infused warmth and momentum into this relationship. As Jan. 1 marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, Xinhua is releasing a series of stories highlighting Americans who deeply appreciate Chinese culture and work actively to bridge the differences between the two nations.
BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- The global success of China's acclaimed game "Black Myth: Wukong" has introduced the enchanting tale of Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, to audiences worldwide. But for Ghaffar Pourazar, a British-American dual citizen living in California, this legendary figure has been a part of his identity for decades.
Seated before the backstage mirror at Beijing's Liyuan Theater, an old Peking Opera venue especially popular among foreign travelers, Pourazar deftly applies white, red and black paint to his face, transforming it into the vibrant likeness of the mischievous Monkey King.
"How time flies! Look at you, an old monkey now!" remarks an elderly from the opera troupe. "Indeed, I am now a white-haired Monkey King," Pourazar, 63, replies in Mandarin, his distinctive Beijing accent evident.
Pourazar has spent the past three decades mastering Peking Opera, establishing himself as a rare foreign performer excelling in this traditional Chinese art, and earning the nickname "Western Monkey King" for his exceptional portrayal of the Chinese superhero from the classic novel "Journey to the West."
Currently, he travels between China and the United States, serving as a cultural ambassador, introducing the art of Peking Opera to Western audiences, and offering a unique perspective of the art to Chinese audiences. "I want to be a bridge between cultures," he said, reflecting on his multicultural background.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Pourazar's lifelong passion for Peking Opera began by chance. In 1993, 32-year-old Pourazar, then a computer animator, attended a performance at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and was instantly captivated.
"I was crying," he recalled. "I previously had a passion for various art forms, including acting, dancing, mime, and movement. But at that moment, everything else faded away. I saw the convergence of all these arts in Peking Opera."
He went to the backstage right after the show and made friends with the Chinese performers. "We didn't speak each other's language, but they could see my passion," Pourazar said.
With the help of the head of the Chinese troupe, Pourazar was enrolled at an opera school in Beijing. Just three months after his first exposure to Peking Opera, he left his life in Britain behind and moved to Beijing to train in the martial roles of the art.
Starting as an adult was not easy, as Peking Opera is a complex blend of vocal performance, mime, martial arts, dance and acrobatics. "My classmates were all children," he said. "As an adult without any basic skills, it is very hard for you to practice the movements."
In addition to the physical demands, mastering the Chinese language posed another hurdle. "I was constantly reciting the subtitles and songs, whether I was eating, bathing, walking, or even dreaming," Pourazar added.
"Though there were some extremely painful days, I enjoyed every moment," he said.
Initially, he focused on portraying ancient soldiers and generals like Wu Song and Lin Chong, before eventually transitioning to the iconic role of the Monkey King.
LIFELONG COMMITMENT
Pourazar believes that great art transcends languages. Over the years, he has devoted himself to introducing Peking Opera and Sun Wukong to international audiences, taking Chinese performers to perform in countries such as the United States, Britain and Malaysia.
He has also been teaching courses and organizing workshops in the United States, bringing Peking Opera to curious Western learners.
To better connect with Western audiences and learners, he adapted some classic plays such as "The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven" into English versions. "I changed the spoken parts into English and kept the original songs, and it became a success on the international stage," he said.
"I am the most powerful spirit in heaven and earth," Pourazar exclaims, dressed in a signature yellow costume reminiscent of the Monkey King. As he recites the dialogues in English with the distinctive intonation of Peking Opera, he leaps, flips and executes movements that capture the playful nature of the mischievous monkey. Despite not being Chinese, his efforts bring the essence of the Monkey King to life.
Over the past two decades, his captivating performances have introduced the enchanting character to numerous international audiences. "My young nephew, who lives in Turkey, has become so enamored with the Monkey King that he taught himself to perform this character," Pourazar said.
"I love the Monkey King for his simplicity and the inner child that defines his character. His love for freedom and quest for longevity are also qualities that I respect," he said. "I believe this character resonates with people of different cultures."
With an aim to enhance communication with Western audiences, he also adapted Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" into Peking Opera. "By presenting a story that the Western audiences are already familiar with, I hope to more effectively introduce them to the charm of Peking Opera," he said.
In recognition of his contributions, Pourazar received the Great Wall Friendship Award from the Beijing government in 2014.
Over the years, Pourazar has accumulated numerous injuries and health issues. His right knee now suffers from arthritis and edema due to excessive exertion during a recent Peking Opera workshop in California, yet he continues his efforts undeterred.
"I rely on traditional Chinese medicine when I am unwell or injured," he said while sipping Chinese green tea from an insulated bottle. He said his love for Chinese culture extends well beyond the Peking Opera, encompassing Chinese calligraphy, painting, cuisine and Kung Fu.
Despite his health challenges and advancing age, Pourazar remains committed to his artistic pursuits.
He is currently working on two Broadway-style musical projects, both influenced by the performance traditions of Peking Opera. The first, Dream of Wukong, explores his personal journey of mastering Peking Opera, while the second, Dr. Jane Goodall, tells the story of the renowned ecologist and her extensive work with chimpanzees.
"Cultural exchange should be reciprocal. I aim to blend my expertise in opera with my multicultural background to create enriching artistic experiences for the audiences," Pourazar said.
外媒关注中国春节新变化：年味更浓、消费强劲、旅游更热 中新网2月18日电(魏晨曦)2024年春节是农历新年被确定为联合国假日的第一个春节，浓浓的年味，丰富的美食，消费的热潮……中国人把春节过出了新高度，中国经济的 近日，中共中央印发了修订后的《中国共产党巡视工作条例》（以下简称《条例》），并发出通知，要求各地区各部门认真遵照执行。通知指出，《条例》坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深入贯彻习近 新华社济南2月22日电（记者陈国峰、张钟仁）连日来，山东多地迎来大风降温和雨雪天气。21日，受降雪影响，济南西站部分列车降速运行，出现晚点情况。售票大厅内，记者看到“晚点停运车次退票”窗口前排起长龙。国 新华社兰州2月21日电（记者郁琼源、张晓洁）农业农村部部长唐仁健21日说，要坚持“守底线、增动力、促振兴”协同推进，聚焦增强脱贫地区和脱贫群众内生发展动力，持续加强防止返贫监测帮扶，加快建立农村低收入 “药械同追”试点项目助力医疗产品追溯标准化 近日，全国首个GS1“药械同追”试点项目顺利通过中国物品编码中心的验收。该项目是以国际通用的GS1编码标准为基础建设的“药械同追”平台系统，可同时满足我国药品追 广西南宁新能源全产业链加快成型 中新网南宁2月22日电 (黄令妍 韦雅丹)广西南宁市工信局党组书记、局长卢晴22日介绍，当地新能源全产业链加快成型，比亚迪、多氟多等一批重大项目投产，龙电华鑫、宸宇富基等项目落 。本文链接："Western Monkey King" takes Peking Opera to the worldhttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-39459-0.html
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