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加拿大華裔文學與舞臺劇
潘雅欣著 林紹貞譯 2007-08-17 08:53 環球華報 | Chinese Canadian Literature and Theatre
Mary Phan
This weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Chinese Writer's Association conference for the first time. I recently started a theatre company and have been seeking scripts written by Chinese authors to present to my audiences. I attended the conference hoping simply to meet writers interested in writing for the theatre. I had assumed that I would spend the conference watching academics talk about writing techniques. Instead, what I found was a group of warm, creative people passionately committed to communicating and anxious to share their ideas with the world. I saw new, innovative concepts coming to life before my eyes.
At first, I was nervous in attending the symposium. I knew nobody there and even though I did some research before attending I wasn't sure what to expect. I had thought I would hand out a few cards on the first day and leave but instead I found the presentations so interesting that I came back for the second day. More than that, I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel like I was at home. I think the way that I was treated reflects so positively on this open and inclusive organization. This symposium was very inspiring and deeply meaningful for me and inspired me so much that I decided that I wanted to become a member.
I am experienced in acting with Chinese drama groups. But all of the groups I worked with consisted of Chinese actors presenting Chinese language productions to Chinese audiences. No consideration was ever given to presenting this material to audiences of other origins. I started My Theatre Company Society in order to present the Chinese culture to Chinese audiences but also involve people of all other origins. I also wanted to develop an organization of people who all felt like they “belonged”. When they speak the name of “My Theatre” they can all feel like it is theirs. In discovering the CCWA I found a group of people who already display this inclusiveness and from whom I can learn a great deal. They welcome new members openly and, in my experience, immediately make them feel involved and valued.
For me, one of the highlights of the symposium was the speech made by Marty Chan. He writes about Chinese subjects but also targets the non-Chinese audience. I agree so strongly that language is a tool to communicate our culture. Whether we present that culture in Mandarin or Cantonese or English is less important than the fact that we are sharing our culture. It was a great opportunity to talk to Professor Chan after the presentation, I feel like I have an ally. Like me, he is Chinese, he is in theatre, and he wants to present the Chinese culture to everyone. He has spent many years struggling to have his voice heard. Through his efforts he has paved the way for Chinese-Canadians in the theatre industry.
When Mr. Paul Lo asked me to give my view on the symposium I was extremely excited. It is a great honour and pleasure to be able to contribute something back after being treated so nicely for the two days of the symposium. It tells me that no matter if the voice is small or big it is a voice that should be heard. In the theatre industry it is very difficult to find sponsors for theatrical productions and I was dismayed to find out that the same difficulties exist for talented authors. It is difficult to find resources for publishing and getting these words out. I want to help, not only by talking, but by doing. If you read this article and you agree with what I am saying, you should help too. Be a part, get involved monetary, personally or just by spreading the word. Let’s build this energy together. We should be proud of our culture.
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