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Fortune or FamilyA Bilingual Musical Production Highlights
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A musical drama set in ancient China
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Performed in both English and Cantonese
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Traditional embroidered and sequined costumes
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Classical Chinese dance and Kung Fu martial arts
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Jungle set filled with playful monkeys and animals
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Located across from SF Chinatown and
Portsmouth Square
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Our 44th season
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| ANNUAL PLAYS | |
| HISTORY | |
| CHURCH TOUR | |
| CONTACT INFO | |
| LOCATION | |
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Information All performance are on Saturdays or Sundays and start at 2:00p.m. Tickets are $12.00 per person Please call : 415-982-6116, 6117 or 6118 or Fax: 415-421-3225 Mondays-Through Thursday between 10am and 3pm All performances are held at the Buddha’s Universal Church at 720 Washington Street, San Francisco Lunch in Chinatown can also be arranged. $8.50 per person. This includes the tax and tip. Additional printable information and ticket order form are available HERE. |
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The Making of the Play | ||||
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| The Saddharmapundarika Sutra, or better known as the Lotus Sutra, says that
Buddhist doctrines should be taught in prose, verse and song. Our presentation of FORTUNE OR FAMILY was created with that purpose in mind. We produced our first bilingual play in 1965, holding only three performances on this stage. Now, more than 40 years later, it has become part of the annual Chinese New Year’s celebration with about 10 to 12 performances every year. Each play is based upon true events in the Buddhist Scriptures. Although our plots may span several years, each episode is a separate and independent production so that our audiences can enjoy each presentation as an individual work. The play is written originally in the Chinese language and then translated into English dialogue. Our bilingual guests may notice that we have taken some liberties with the translation to add humor and drama to the play. The cast is selected around June and rehearsals begin immediately and continue throughout the year. Much of the time is spent on learning to speak and sing classical Chinese as well as traditional hand gestures and body movements, which are vitally important to ancient Chinese plays and operas. The cast members are all volunteers and rehearsals are generally held in the evenings to accommodate student players, working adults, and staff. The production involves nearly all members of the congregation, from the youngest child to our core group of seniors, who coach players and direct the play. All props, sets, music, and lighting designs are created by the members. Also behind the scenes are makeup artists and costumers, as well as bakers which provide homemade cookies and cakes for our audiences. Most importantly, the production of this play allows our members an opportunity to practice the virtuous teachings of the Buddha and to work in harmony for peace and happiness throughout the world. |
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