The threat of a boycott by our Translation Dept evaporated, and even those on our 'team' who weren't performing in our skit ended up getting involved. The event was held in a hotel round the corner from the office, and consisted of dinner followed by each departments' skits and various other acts of jolity.
As I was about to play the part of not one woman but two, the nerves were there, and so the opportunity to eat some of the unappetising food on offer never really presented itself. Also, having my fingernails painted blue to play the part of my second character made me reluctant to extend my hands too far from the safety of under the table.
So you can imagine my delight when I was told I would be saying a few words on behalf of the translation dept. The other staff members speaking, particularly the boss, said how wonderful everything was, was a great 2008 it has been, how 2009 will be so much better, etc, etc. I, with my green hoodie and blue fingernails, mentioned how the translators have a boring job and are essential to the company, and hope they get good leadership in 2009. I was too frightened to look at anyone whilst speaking, but I think it went down well.
Ours was the first skit - The Emperor Chooses his Concubine. I played the First Concubine - Obama's sister, and the Fourth, a women called Furong Jiejie, who is an object of ridicule on the internet in China, famous purely for making ghastly poses in photos and wearing revealing clothes that someone of her appearance probably should not wear. Our lead actor lead the way, performing the role of the first Emperor of China with vigour and panache. His nickname is 'Zhuang Zhuang 壮壮', which could be translated as 'Biffa', and his ample frame helped add to his suitability for the role. Scooping the 200 yuan for 3rd place should be enough for a departmental dinner at some point.
The other acts came and went, in between there were various party games which did their best to arouse the half empty room. The female host of the evening was using a microphone she clearly did not need. As I was leaving, the boss told me that last year nearly three times as many people came, hence the less than spectacular atmosphere. How a company rapidly expanding has significantly less attendees to its annual party is far too sensible (and sensitive) a question to ask.
The most interesting event of the evening was when there was a semi fight outside the hotel involving one of our staff. Being a former resident of Nottingham, I would have considered it a waste of experience if I had not got involved. So I stood there, looking tall and foreign, until the wives of the drunken men bundled them into taxis. After going back in and taking vast quantities of photographs with various humorous poses, it was time to head off and enjoy our six-day New Year break.
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