Theatre Curtain

Item number Edz1216 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Proscenium arch style curtain composed of 3 panels (parts a-c). All panels are polychrome embroidered satin-finish silk backed with canvas. One panel (part b) is hung horizontally with left and right vertical panels (a,c) hanging down each side. The vertical panels are identical except for the central dancing figure on a pedestal inside a pagoda with a sword raised upwards in his right hand: the figure is light green on the left panel and red on the right one. The horizontal panel (b) depicts a pagoda roof with 3 Chinese characters and 4 cranes. Polychrome tassels hang from the bottom edge. Other designs are symbols in the Chinese cosmos. The curtains have metal brads along the top of each one, for hanging.

History Of Use

Used as a theatre backdrop.

Narrative

Used as a prop by the famous Chinese acrobat-magician, Long Tak Sam. The curtain was brought to North America by him to use in his vaudeville tour. The great-granddaughter of Long Tak Sam, Ann Marie Fleming, made a full-length film about his life, called ”Long Tak Sam”, which includes views of the curtain.