 High glass
By Jiang Dong (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-12 08:59  Walk on the Great Wall, stroll through the Forbidden City, wander through a Beijing hutong, but have you ticked off experiencing China's mind-blowing acrobats in full swing? They are simply a must-see during a visit to the capital. What these flexible folk can do with a wine glass and a spinning plate is beyond comprehension. The China National Acrobatic Troupe is the best of the best and is showing off its latest production, entitled Splendid, at the Poly Theater throughout the Games. The brand new show has wild and stylish Cirque du Soleil influences yet continues to show its Chinese roots. The yin of plate spinning, umbrella and diabolo juggling, is a nice compliment to the yang of pole and hoop jumping. Splendid bills itself as "the artistic conception acrobatics" with more art and less stunts. Imagine a concert where every singer shoots for high Cs every three minutes. This soon becomes boring. The current show, produced by China National Acrobatic Troupe, is polished like a dance drama; it has as much production value (sound, lighting, etc) as any lavish theatrical extravaganza, and careful attention is paid to the show's artistic quality. More than 100 performers flow and more than 40 of these artists have won national awards. Just do it. 7:30 pm. Poly Theater, 13 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District. 6500-1188 (China Daily 08/12/2008 page37) |
