Ping meets an adoring fan at the City Hall entrance
Many unusual things tend to happen in Philadelphia City Hall. But, it’s not every day that a City Council resolution turns into a brief performance by a Chinese opera star. Well, today wasn’t every day.
After Councilman Mark Squilla’s resolution honoring Sun Ping, a performer in the Peking Opera Theater of China, was read, and following Ping’s acceptance speech of sorts — made longer by the fact that she had to be translated every syllable of the way, including those in which she expressed a desire to be a bridge between Philadelphia and China — she asked whether she could sing a little number for the packed Council Chambers.
Fights over school funding and property tax be damned, the crowd obliged her. This is what they saw, and heard, in what can only be described as the surreal moment of Philadelphia’s day (up till that point).
(Resolution No. 120541)
RESOLUTIONRecognizing the accomplishments of Sun Ping, a performer in the Peking Opera Theater of China.
WHEREAS, Sun Ping was one of the first college graduates from the Institute of Chinese Traditional Operas in the early 1980s. Following graduation, she enrolled in the Peking Opera Theater of China. Her impressive vocal power and stage presence led her to becoming the star actress in several of the troupe’s most famous works; and
WHEREAS, Peking Opera is an art form taking roots in Chinese culture, and involves the elements of dancing and acrobatics. Sun Ping introduced more action into her performances and impressed audiences with make-up and costumes containing a distinctly Chinese flavor; and
WHEREAS, Because of the very different cultural backgrounds, it was thought that it would be difficult to introduce this Chinese art form to western audiences. Sun Ping’s first work, King Laszlo, was staged more than three hundred times in Europe. The initial success encouraged Sun Ping to move forward with a genuine Chinese story played in this new form; and
WHEREAS, In August, 1994, the show, Monkey King, was performed at the German Drama Festival and received awards and accolades. Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl announced “action drama” as a new performance type and it was officially accepted across the European countries; and
WHEREAS, Following the achievements in Europe, Sun Ping continued promoting the Peking Opera in the United States. The American debut was in 2000, with the Washington National Symphony Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, Sun Ping feels a sense of obligation to pass on her love for the Peking Opera Theater of China, which she inherited from her predecessors, to the next generation. She tirelessly supports the Opera accepting speaking engagements throughout the world, including Yale University and University of Pennsylvania. The success of the Peking Opera is due in large part to Sun Ping’s efforts; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize the accomplishments of Sun Ping and the success of the Peking Opera Theater of China.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sun Ping, further evidencing the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.