MEDIA CONTACT: Christine Wong (585) 274-2300 or Helene Snihur (585) 275-7800

January 24, 2000

Chinese Student Association Presents China Night and Awareness Week

A traditional Chinese meal, two films, a Casino Night, displays on art and literature, and musical performances are all events taking place at the University of Rochester as the Chinese Student Association celebrates Chinese culture.

China Awareness Week events, all of which will be held on the River Campus, kick off at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, in Hoyt Hall with a free showing of Butterfly Lovers, a romance set in first century eastern China. The movie will have English subtitles.

There will be a display of Chinese art, literature, instruments, calligraphy, and fashion from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the Hirst Lounge of Wilson Commons. Visitors also will have an opportunity to participate in making crafts. The day includes a Casino Night starting at 7 p.m. in the Hirst Lounge. People will be able to learn about Chinese gambling games, including dice and card games. Prizes will be awarded. Admission to the events is free.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m., a martial arts movie, The Tai Chi Master, will be shown in Hoyt Hall. The movie stars Jet Li from Lethal Weapon 4 and Michelle Yeoh, who was seen in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies. This film is free and has English subtitles.

The mini-week culminates Saturday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m with a "China Night" dinner in Douglass Dining Center in the Frederick Douglass Building. Participants will be able to feast on a variety of traditional Chinese dishes catered by Golden Dynasty Chinese Restaurant. Tickets for the meal are $8 with University of Rochester ID and for children under 12; $10 for the general public. Tickets will be sold at the Common Market in Wilson Commons.

After dinner, there will be a performance in Strong Auditorium from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Traditional Chinese dances, instrumental and vocal performances, a fashion show, and a play based on the legend of the Chinese girl warrior Mulan will be performed. Tickets to the program are $3 per person.

All events are open to the public. For more information on China Night or China Week, please call Christine Wong at (585) 274-2300.

About the University of Rochester

The University of Rochester (www.rochester.edu) is one of the nation's leading private universities. Located in Rochester, N.Y., the University gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty through its unique cluster-based curriculum. Its College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering is complemented by the Eastman School of Music, Simon School of Business, Warner School of Education, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Memorial Art Gallery.

PR 1224, MS 0