“T” minus 10 days and counting . . .

Hi everybody. First of all, thank you so much for your patience over the last few days. We are now back on track and ready to ride this show right on out till these kids are safely back in Vermont!

Now. Because we have received lots of stuff relating to the past few days, we have gone back and “revised” the pages since April 11th. So DON’T MISS A THING and revisit April 11th through April 15th. Within these pages, we have added lots of photos, several reports from the kids, comments and updates from Tom and Ann. Lots of stuff to keep you busy!

Thanks so much for your patience and enjoy!
 

REPORT 16 -- Ann Landenberger (Artistic Director), April 15

HOHHOT  This morning we visited two temples: The Temple of the Five
Pagodas -- fascinating structure seemingly out of commission as a temple and relegated to tourist attraction status--- and the Dazhao Temple, which is very much alive. Forty lamas -- adolescents to elderly -- live, study and work there. A collection of ancient structures filled with exquisite shrines to the various Buddhas and the accoutrements of faith, it offered us a clear view of Buddhism in action.

We then headed for lunch downtown (I think it was downtown-hard to tell) at a restaurant famous for its dumplings -- fish, pork, lamb with cilantro, veggie. They were extraordinary. (I know not everyone is happy with the food, but I've been cursed all my life with liking just about everything that doesn't walk away. One of my ongoing logs is "foods I love in China" and I'm on a quest for a huge comprehensive Betty Crocker-like cookbook I can understand!)

This afternoon we performed at the National College, of which two-thirds of the enrollment is native Mongolian. We had  less than an hour to scope out the space and set up -- and that amidst dozens of Mongolian students all milling about eager to see what the heck we were up to backstage and what's with all these bits of props and scenery. Our kids did beautifully under those conditions. They are becoming real troupers as they develop tenacity, focus, and flexibility.

The house was packed -- which is the norm for these performances where students and adults alike are eager to hear English in action. From what I could see from backstage, they truly enjoyed the dance, music and familiar morals told in the three acts. After we performed our hosts performed a few songs, dances, and a horse head fiddle/accordion duet. Once again, the host students' technique blew us away as they performed songs and dances that have been passed down generation to generation. In this light, I have to mention the cooperative work we started yesterday that Korin wrote about in his entry. It was beautiful to see the students work together as our hosts shared technique and heritage while our kids shared the creative energy and spirit that so marks American performance.

In addition to the dance and music  Korin mentioned, I did a short acting workshop in which I outlined the actors key instruments, voice, movement and imagination, and then showed them a few basic theatre games we use to develop skills on those instruments. It  was a blast to see the way the Mongolian kids jumped into those games: The  results were fresh and unique.

More on that anon. I want to get this in the  [e-]mail. All's well. It's amazing to realize that we fly home in ten  days. These days on the road have flown by.

NOTE: As I enter this report early on the morning of the 16th, I have to note that for the first time since we arrived we can clearly see the mountains surrounding the city under a welcome blue sky.
 

We’ve been told there are more photos on the way. So, as soon as they arrive, we’ll make them available. Tomorrow, we’ll resume with providing links and insights into the activities in which the students will be involved. This will include performances by our kids as well as performance they will attend. There will also be more sightseeing and shopping on the card. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing more photos of our kids “in costume!”

We’ll also try to give you a better understanding of this American/Mongolian Exchange and what it means. Remember, this fall will bring the Mongolian students to Vermont. We’ll then get a chance to visit with these marvelous kids from China.

Until tomorrow, welcome back everybody!