China's Culture Clash: How performing artists are navigating new freedoms, old traditions, and a search for a contemporary voice –

Ms. Friedman will discuss the current “state of the (performing) arts” in China in the context of domestic economic forces and market pressures from abroad, as well as issues of individual expression and artists’ search for a ‘modern Chinese’ identity / voice. She will look at how performing artists are combining traditional Chinese forms with new influences from the west – or not! – as well as the role of international partners in the field, including festivals, collaborators, funding bodies, and Embassies. Her talk will be illustrated by video and audio clips of contemporary dance and theater companies and musicians.

Alison FRIEDMAN Ping Pong Production Founder / Director

Speaker Profile: Alison M. Friedman founded Ping Pong Productions in 2009, building on almost a decade of experience working in the performing arts in China. Ms. Friedman came to Beijing on a Fulbright Fellowship to research the development of modern dance in China. She has worked as International Director of the Beijing Modern Dance Company and as General Manager for Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun’s company Parnassus Productions, Inc. In addition to lecturing on modern dance in both China and abroad, Ms. Friedman has conducted research for the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Asian Cultural Council, and her writing has appeared in Dance Magazine (USA), CHIME (NL), and Culturescapes (Switzerland). She has worked as consultant for the US Embassy in China, Columbia University, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, as well as other overseas dance and theater companies touring the Middle Kingdom. From 2003-2005 she hosted a live music program on China Radio International (CRI), China’s largest government-run radio station. Ms. Friedman was Production Coordinator for the John F. Kennedy Center 2005 Festival of China in Washington DC. During the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games she co-produced the Sino-US modern dance festival booking DANCE FESTIVAL beijing 2008. As a performer / director, Ms. Friedman has collaborated with artists throughout China including the Living Dance Studio and the National Theater Company of China, and has choreographed/directed a bilingual production of Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat which premiered in 2005 at the China National Theater Company’s East Pioneer Theater and had a revival in 2009 at Shanghai’s Lyceum Theater. She is a 2009-2010 Arts Management Fellow at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

Your registration fee includes two cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 18:00 to 20:00

(We now have over 1800 members on LinkedIn!) No fa piaos will be issued, but receipts will be available. There is lots of parking all around the venue.

Because the kitchen needs to prepare in advance, all members need to RSVP before 3pm, Monday, 16 August. If you have questions, call Robert Ruan on Office: 86-10-6509-7774 or Mobile: 86-138-1023-1334 or send an email: robertruan@yimingconsulting.com.

All those interested in joining the party should fill in the registration form below by 3pm Monday, 16 August.

Sorry, no press or recruiters will be allowed.

This event is sponsored by foneVillage!



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