April Mahjong Madness @ AMOCA

Mahjong Madness is back for April! On Monday, April 20, join the fun and play mahjong, the popular Chinese tile game, at AMOCA! 

We’ll set up tables near Gallery A, where Fired in Revolution: Ceramics from the People’s Republic of China is on view. This exhibition presents ceramics created during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)—a period of social, cultural, and economic upheaval caused by radical government ideology. It not only affected politics, but also the daily lives of the Chinese people. During the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) closely controlled all forms of literature, art, and media. 

The game of mahjong has a long history in China. During the Cultural Revolution, it was linked by Chairman Mao to the “vices” of leisure, gambling, and wealth and declared at odds with ideals of austerity and the new socialist culture. The game was effectively banned during the Cultural Revolution; Mao’s Red Guards destroyed mahjong sets, viewing them as symbols of the "Four Olds" (old customs, culture, habits, and ideas). After the end of Mao's rule, as government and social reforms became less restrictive, mahjong again became popular in the country. Today, mahjong is played around the world, keeping cultural traditions alive and offering opportunities for intergenerational social engagement.

Fired in Revolution highlights Cultural Revolution ceramic production, presenting the movement's major styles and imagery while examining how artists maintained artistic agency and preserved traditional production methods amid government censorship.  

AMOCA invites you to join us for game play in the shadow of Cultural Revolution ceramics. Executive Director–and amateur mahjong player–Beth Ann Gerstein will welcome guests and offer a brief introduction to Cultural Revolution ceramic production at 5:30pm before game play begins at 6:00pm.

Don’t know how to play mahjong? Bring your curiosity, and a group of local mahjong players will teach you! Already know how to play? Bring your expertise and join the fun! 

Light refreshments will be provided.

Things to know:

• Executive Director Beth Ann Gerstein will lead a tour of the exhibition at 5:30. Game play begins at 6:00pm.

• Mahjong night is for adults (18+)

• No gambling. Mahjong night at AMOCA is for learning and casual fun

• Mahjong sets and instruction will be provided. If you have your own set, please bring it along!

• Light refreshments (snacks and sparkling water) will be served

Note: AMOCA may photograph or video visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Attendance to an AMOCA exhibition or event constitutes the attendee’s consent regarding the possibility of appearing in Museum marketing materials.