Interview： With Past Master
Reported By Wu Chengen, Zhuang Ziyang, Guo Pinhong, He Peixian, Yang Tinghan and Ceng Xinqiao Interview with past master of Bu-Ma Interviewee: Mr. Xu Shilang, Great Uncle Xu Yingrong Location: in front of the dining hall of CPES Date: Jan. 5th, 2013 Time: 8:00~12:00 Why 　　We want to participate in CyberFair and the theme is Bu-Ma, we have to personally experience the process of making Bu-Ma and understand the history and culture of Bu-Ma. Past Master 　　Mr. Xu Shilang is a senior instructor for Bu-Ma. Great Uncle Xu Yingrong has very much experience of making Bu-Ma.They teach us how to make Bu-Ma. They are proficient.
Great Uncle Xu Yingrong Mr. Xu Shilang Reporters
Q & A during the interview Question Answer What kind of bamboo do we use to make Bu-Ma? We use Tangji bamboo, also known as Large bamboo In which season is the bamboo perfect for making Bu-Ma? Bamboos grow in fall and winter will be better because they incline to insect pest in spring and summer. What alternatives are there except Large bamboo? In fact, Makino Bamboo is used, too. Why do we use Large bamboo? Because Large bamboo is softer. It’s not easy to take shape with Makino Bamboo because it is a little bit harder. Besides, Tangji bamboo is easy to obtain but we need to pay for Makino Bamboo. How do you figure out the size of Bu-Ma? Is there any Bu-Ma for adults? The Bu-Ma we have now is for 3-6 graders. But of course we can make Bu-Ma for adults. How many Bu-Mas you can make per day? A Bu-Ma a day if I take it easy. But I can make more if urgent. Great Uncle, when did you start making Bu-Ma? 45th anniversary of CPES Great Uncle, how many years have you been making Bu-Ma? 11 years Great Uncle, have you ever hurt yourself while making Bu-Ma? No. We are always careful and wear gloves when making Bu-Ma. Great Uncle, who taught you how to make Bu-Ma? No one. I learned by myself according to a drawing from my nephew. Great Uncle, where did you get the drawing for Bu-Ma? My nephew designed it. Mr. Xu, how many years have you learned to cut bamboo strips? It takes just a few years if you are skillful. Will you take the Bu-Ma apart if the bamboo strip is broken? Yes. That’s why we have to make a strong combination right from the beginning. How did you feel when the Bu-Mas you made were on TV? I was proud. Why do you use bamboo to make Bu-Ma? Because it is softer and easy to take shape. Why do you make Bu-Ma? It’s a Hakka culture. Have you ever failed? Never. You will never fail if you take it seriously. Why do you devote yourself to the training and promotion of Bu-Ma dance? It’s a feature and culture that has been handed down by ancestors. It would be a pity if it had been lost to the world. Mr. Xu, please tell us about your expectations of Bu-Ma dance? I hope more and more people know about Bu-Ma, love Bu-Ma and dance Bu-Ma. Besides, the kids can love the cultures and features in their hometown. Bu-Ma and Hakka cultures can be popularized nationwide.