A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

Winny,Shanghai,China — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:14:05 GMT

lol.so gald that you've enjoyed our traditional opera,isnt it interesting?your make-up look good,but your nose is too high for a Chinese opera actor.haahaa.and I bet "shay ,shay" isnt the right pronouciation for "xie,xie"...it couldnt be easy for you ,though.

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

Bryan, Minneapolis — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:34:05 GMT

shay shay?!?! Nice try.......

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

Daomadan, Mpls, MN — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:38:24 GMT

"singing (although to the western ear that is debatable)"

Speak for yourself.

"My role? I was to be the "Ocean King" in a production of something no one bothered to tell me."

Did you bother to ask?

"The make-up job took over an hour and involved several layers of grease paint that made me look like a cross between Gene Simmons and Freddie Krueger."

No it didn't. It made you look like a beautiful Peking Opera actor.

You've been given an incredible opportunity that some people would love to have and you instead sully it with bad humor by comparing the artistry of your make-up to Gene Simmons and Freddy Kreuger? These self-deprecating snippets of experience that joke about different cultural experiences are getting old.

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

John S, Wood River Junction, RI — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:42:32 GMT

I studied Beijing Opera while at Seminary...I appreciate your willingness to subject yourself to such a rigorous, wonderful artform! Thanks!

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

bruce stratton, cottonwood, calif. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:12:56 GMT

Really, it sounds like a lot of fun. I get to "Zou" next!

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

pat, san francisco — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:22:56 GMT

I completely disagree with Daomadan's comment. I think Kevin Tibbles did what he did and wrote what he wrote all in good spirits. The article is well-written, and I applaud Kevin Tibbles' willingness to try out something new to bring us something very fun and enjoyable. Keep the fun stuff coming, Kevin!

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

Beth, Redmond, WA — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:07:31 GMT

I think xiexie is more pronounced shia-shia, like the sect of Islam, but with a downward tone, sort of the way you tell a stray dog to "shoo!"

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

KATin Rockwood Corners OR — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:02:48 GMT

I agree with the other person, about the make-up.I was a make-up artist in college, and one can see the love's labor lost on you. It is very hard work,and a tradition older than the Greek theater. I thought you might realize the strain that the crude American once again presses on those wonderful artists.Gene Simmons-Freddy Krueger indeed! Not everyone lowers their line of thinking to the lowest denominator. As for your numb skull... well you said it.

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

Kyle, Ann Arbor, MI — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:29:11 GMT

This article was written in good spirits, and not once did it stop being respectful of the art form or of those involved in it. He describes the experience as an honor, the make-up artist as a "true artisan", and the other performers as "total theatre pros". Would he have to kowtow in silence to make people happy?

One can respect something and still find humor in its differences. For example, I can appreciate the artistic tradition and beauty of Peking Opera and still recognize that if a western performer walked out on stage and sang in likewise manner they would find their audience more than a little confused as to what they had just experienced. Western music and Peking Opera stem from different artistic traditions, and there's nothing wrong with recognizing that. The same can be said for the make-up.

As for finding his costume uncomfortable... really? That's going to set people off? Have we become so desperate to find the bigots in our midst? It's an elaborate stage costume. They tend to be uncomfortable no matter what theatric school you come from. There's a reason people don't wear such outfits when off the job. If you found that so horrible, then here's something else for you: Hoopskirts were also uncomfortable. Ooooooooh.

It is one thing to want people to be culturally accepting, and quite another be so sensitive as to force people to be blind to the world. The man was trying a new experience completely outside of his element. Good for him. Did he take offense when people laughed at his efforts? No, because he recognized the friendly spirit in which it occurred. What do we do? We nitpick everything the man said in a vain attempt to make him sound like a jerk and call him out on his text approximation of the pronunciation of 'thank you' in mandarin (honestly, I've seen worse. I've probably been responsible for worse).

Why are some people so desperate to find offense or build their egos by criticizing the efforts of others to expand their horizons? Are you so desperate to endear yourself that you must be insulted when even those involved are not? I'm sorry for whatever may have happened to you in the past - or is still happening to you in the present, but please stop projecting. The world has enough legitimate problems as it is without you trying to invent more. You're missing out on life and ruining things for everyone else.

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

xu,hebei,china — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:57:56 GMT

great. you look wonderful.

A day at the office – or the Peking Opera

Debbie Bailey,Kentville,NS,Canada — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:29:57 GMT

What an experience, you looked great and as alway you are up for anything!! Aren't you glad you don't have to wear makeup everyday. NBC is very fortunate to have you Kevin as part of their team. We are proud of you and your Canadian roots.