On December 6th 2016, the musical "Shimmer" held a grand showcase presentation at the Edison Ballroom in New York. Consul General Zhang Qiyue was invited to attend the event and deliver a speech. Rabbi Arthur Schneier, President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation; Mr. Jin Lei, Deputy Director of Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office; the Deputy Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations; the representative of the American Jewish Committee (AJC); representatives of survivors of Shanghai-Jewish refugees, and more than 300 people from all walks of life attended the performance. Deputy Consul General Zhang Meifang and Cultural Counselor Li Liyan also attended the performance.
In her speech, Ambassador Zhang said that Chinese and Jewish artists have brought to the stage the historical stories in "Shimmer" by using the modern form of performing art, successfully creating an inspirational, touching musical. "Shimmer" is showcasing the Chinese and Jewish stories to the world in an innovative way. Not only did it pave the way for Chinese original musicals to go international, it signified an important step forward for the cultural exchange between the people of China and the U.S. Ambassador Zhang said she looked forward to seeing "Shimmer" performed on Broadway stage.
Ambassador Zhang further noted that China-US relation is in a vital stage of connecting the past and the future. Leaders and representatives of both sides have been in close contact, strengthening economics development and trade cooperation, and enhancing closer cultural exchanges. Both sides have been striving to build a new model of major-country relation that is non-conflicting, non-confrontational, but with mutual-respect and guarantees win-win cooperation. This requires active participation and promotion of people of insights from all walks of life of the two countries, including American Jewish.
The musical "Shimmer" is yet to be run on Broadway as preparations are undergoing by the relevant parties. Please click the following link for a preview: https://v.qq.com/x/page/b0352oy5kxn.html