SZ art sparkles in Egypt

A Spring Festival gala, specially presented by the Shenzhen Art Troupe, was held at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt on Jan. 16, local time. Artists from Shenzhen and Egypt collaborated in the show to offer an inclusive feast.

This marked the art troupe's second performance in Egypt, following a lively New Year reception at the Chinese Embassy just a day earlier on January 15.

Actors performing Chinese folk dance. File photos

The gala celebrated the Year of the Snake in anticipation of the Spring Festival, a significant holiday for Chinese people. Zhang Tao, chargé d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, expressed the event's importance, saying, “Artists from China and Egypt have united to celebrate this crucial festival. This collaboration opens broader prospects for China-Egypt and China-Arab relations.”

Amr El-Kady, the chief executive officer of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board, shared his appreciation after the performance. “It was a splendid show that highlighted Chinese rich history and culture. We hope cultural exchanges will further strengthen the ties between China and Egypt,” he said. El-Kady mentioned that he is a fan of guqin and folk music performances.

Although El-Kady has yet to visit Shenzhen, he expressed a strong curiosity about the city and plans to travel to the city next year. He extended his warmest blessings to the Chinese people for the Spring Festival and welcomed them to explore, exchange ideas, and foster business relationships in Egypt.

A performance of the dance drama "Wing Chun."

A highlight of the event was a segment from "Wing Chun," a dance drama originally produced in Shenzhen. The performance captivated the audience with its unique blend of dance and kung fu.

Chang Hongji, the leading actor of "Wing Chun," is interviewed by Egyptian media. 

“The show was amazing; each performance was brilliant,” remarked Qin Juanjuan, a Chinese resident in Egypt. “The program was meticulously crafted, showcasing a fusion of guqin performances, innovative folk music, folk dances, modern dance, magic acts, and aerobics. I believe these performances truly reflect Shenzhen’s spirit of inclusiveness,” Qin added.