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Soul of China transported to the heart of New York

By Zhang Yuwei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-16 07:47

A group of 33 young Chinese martial artists bring their true understanding of Shaolin kungfu in Soul of Shaolin to Broadway for the first time. The show contains spectacular Chinese kungfu - foot kicking, fist punching, high jumping and yelling as actors break sticks and bricks over their heads and bodies.

Having toured various countries and featured at the Beijing Olympics, the show also marks the Broadway debut of an original Chinese production and celebrates the Lunar New Year.

Soul of Shaolin tells the story of a young boy, Hui Guang, who is separated from his mother by war. Hui is then found and raised by the legendary monks of Shaolin Temple, a Buddhist monastery in Henan province, which is long famous for its association with the Chinese martial arts. After growing up, Hui becomes an accomplished Shaolin kungfu master and embarks on a spectacular journey of self-discovery.

Despite being in off-peak season and during a financial crisis, advance ticket sales have topped 25 percent.

"Given Broadway's record for this quiet season, it would normally be good to sell 20 percent," says production manager Fang Yongnian. "It looks quite positive."

All the cast was picked by executive director Xue Weijun from Songshan Shaolin Martial Arts Academy in Henan province, where Shaolin Temple is. Built in AD 495 during the Northern Wei Dynasty, Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain is regarded as the ancient center of Chinese kungfu.

Hoping to convey the idea of "meditation" and "martial art", which embody the spirit of Shaolin kungfu, Xue says: "The performance weaves the story of the characters' inner worlds, their changing destinies, events, conflicts and contradictions, demonstrating kungfu's emphasis on strength and virtue."

"I am really excited to perform with my team on Broadway," says 9-year-old Wang Sen, who plays young Hui in the show. Wang, who has expertise in tanglangquan (mantis fist), said he joined his team five years ago.

Dong Yingbo, 16, plays the teenage Hui. "It's a great opportunity for us to promote Chinese culture to Broadway audiences through Shaolin kungfu," he says, adding that their performance in Tennessee last year was wonderfully received.

Soul of Shaolin is the first show to be presented by Nederlander Worldwide Productions and the Eastern Shanghai Cultural Film and Television Group in their campaign to present "China on Broadway". This initiative aims to bring the best of Chinese culture to Broadway audiences every year.

Soul of Shaolin performing on Broadway has a historic significance. "We are opening up a new era of cultural cooperation and exchanges in China and the United States by bringing the first Chinese show to Broadway," says Bob Nederlander Jr., president of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment.