The Chinese Sichuan Folk Art troupe is here again and set to thrill Guyanese audiences with aspects of their culture in the form of music, dance, magic and acrobatic displays.

The troupe, which held its first matinee yesterday followed by a Gala Performance at the National Cultural Centre last night, will also be performing in Berbice.

Members of the Chinese Sichuan Folk Art troupe pose with Minister Frank Anthony, Ambassador Zhang Jungao and Permanent Secretary Alfred King during their visit to the ministry. From left: Li Shifeng, Gung Min, Jiang Shimin, Luo Rung, Minister Frank Anthony, Ambassador Zhang Jungao , Luo Yinghua, Permanent Secretary Alfred King, Wang Zheng and Lin Dejun. (Jules Gibson photo)

The 15-member troupe paid a courtesy call on Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday. They were accompanied by China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Jungao.

According to GINA, the artistes arrived in Guyana after travelling for 36 hours, but were ready and willing to put on an exciting show.

Head of the delegation Luo Yinghua said the performances are a combination of Sichuan opera and acrobatics. The troupe stages more than 200 public shows each year. The scheduled shows are: two more at the National Cultural Centre tomorrow and Monday at 8 pm and a matinee on Sunday at 10 am. A single performance will also be held at 7 pm today at the Port Mourant Community Centre ground.

The minister assured the troupe that Guyanese will enjoy their performances, noting that in the past their performances had attracted sold-out audiences. Anthony also spoke about the good relations the two countries enjoy. He said cultural exchanges have been among some of the factors that have helped to strengthen relations.

In response the troupe leader told the minister that the performance will be another great opportunity to further promote cultural exchange between China and Guyana and members of the team are just as excited about the visit as they are about learning about Guyana.

GINA said the troupe members hail from the Sichuan Province, the hub of China’s culture and performing arts. Formed in 1947, the group is one of the oldest in China allied to China’s Arts theatre, a prestigious arts and culture institution.