Acrobats retell epic journey

ACTION speaks louder than words.

That's what the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe believes.

And it plans to stage the famous tale, Journey To The West, at the Esplanade next month without uttering a single word.

Performed for the first time in Singapore, the show will tell the story through death-defying stunts, dance sequences, puppetry and martial arts displays.

Actors will balance on 7m-high poles and actresses will form human pyramids.

With dazzling lights, gigantic sets and haunting music, this $500,000 production, presented by Lianhe Zaobao and Scorpio East Productions, promises to be a visual treat.

DRAMA QUEEN: Miss Zhou wearing a 5kg head dress.

You can call it an Asian version of Canada's Cirque de Soleil.

The 80-strong Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, founded in 1957, has won more than 80 awards at home and abroad.

The performers are directed by Mr Chen Weiya, who assisted film director Zhang Yimou in staging the opening and closing ceremonies of last year's Beijing Olympics.

Journey To The West, written by Ming Dynasty novelist Wu Cheng-en, tells the story of a monk named Tang Xuanzang, who travels westwards (to India) in search of Buddhist scriptures.

Accompanied by his three disciples - including the fictitious Monkey King - Xuanzang had to go through 81 trials, such as battling the White-bone Demon and being tempted by the beautiful Queen of the Kingdom of Women.

This timeless tale has been presented in many dramas and operas throughout China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

But this show carries a new element, troupe artistic director Cao Jianping told The New Paper in a phone interview.

'In the past, this story, which is suitable for all ages, is usually presented using drama lines and singing.

'But this adaptation is illustrated using acrobatics, which is all about challenging human physical limitations.

'This totally matches the spirit of the story's theme of overcoming tribulations.'

Challenge

Troupe member Zhou Yunzhi, 25, who plays the Queen of the Kingdom of Women, said that her biggest challenge was dancing because she is not a trained dancer.

But doing acrobatic stunts are a piece of cake for her. She started learning gymnastics at the age of 5 and has been with the troupe for the last 13 years.

'We took two months to rehearse before staging the show. It was very uncomfortable to wear the heavy crown all day long,' said the lithe actress, who wears a 5kg head-dress and a red-hot, off-shoulder gown for the show.

Jin Shuai, 26, who plays her onstage love interest, doesn't have it easy either despite his more than 10 years' experience as an acrobat.

He said: 'My biggest challenge lies in presenting the emotional struggles of Tang Xuanzang.

'He's a monk and he has a mission, but it's only human to be stirred emotionally when wooed by a mesmerising queen in love with him.

'Yet, this shadow of a romance can only be presented using facial expressions and body language, so it's extremely difficult.'

FYI

WHAT: Journey To The West

WHERE: Esplanade Theatre

WHEN: 16 to 19 Jul, 8pm & 2.30pm (Sunday only)

TICKETS: $108, $88, $68, $48, $38 available from Sistic (log on to www.sistic.com.sg or call 63485555)