From the moment the ancient Chinese bell resounds around the theatre until the last performer has left the stage, the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theatre from Beijing transports its audience back in time to an Eastern world that Westerners can only begin to imagine.
A fusion of martial arts, contemporary dance, Chinese folk songs and audio/visual effects, Wind of Shaolin is a visual feast.
The romantic story of a Shaolin monk who ‘performs life and death struggle between justice and evil’ could be described as an Eastern take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The spirit of Shaolin Kungfu pulsates throughout this dramatic piece set in the Hunan Province in China and woven around the traditions of the famous Shaolin Monks.
A delicate pas de deux transforms quickly into a high energy army of kungfu masters performing incredible martial arts and acrobatic feats.
There’s something for everyone in Wind of Shaolin. It is the first show of its kind to come out of China, blending modern dance with ancient martial practices.
The 86 Chinese performers are passionate about telling a story of their culture to the world through song, dance and martial arts. Many of them lived and trained at the Shaolin Temple in preparation for their performance.
Canberra Theatre 28, 29, 30 January 2009. Tickets $55-$89.90. Suitable for children. Tickets available now from Canberra Theatre (02) 6275 2700 or www.canberratheatrecentre.org.au.
