Walking the cultural tightrope

An upcoming acrobatic show in Shenyang offers a taste of ways the art continues to evolve, Cheng Yuezhu reports.

Forming human pyramids on bicycles, swinging midair on a flying trapeze, walking along a tightrope while another performer balances on top doing a handstand — acrobatic performances often draw gasps and applause for their spine-tingling feats.

For many contemporary Chinese acrobatic troupes, these physical stunts have more to offer and some believe that these manifestations of human ability can be used to complement dramatic narratives, and embody the strength, bravery and resolution of characters.

Among troupes thinking this way is the Shenyang Acrobatic Performing Arts Corp from Liaoning province, which has merged acrobatics with storytelling in a drama titled Xiansheng (Starting Sounds). With its gripping acrobatic battle scenes, the production presents tales of Shenyang's resilience during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

The production is set to open the 12th China Acrobatic Exhibition, which is taking place until Sept 5 in Shenyang. The event promises an extravaganza of acrobatics from troupes around China, according to a news conference at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Aug 14.

Over the two weeks, 36 acts, eight dramas and 10 magic shows will be held. These include 32 acts and five dramas chosen from 109 submissions from around the country. The other four acts and three dramas are supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's 2024 China Acrobatic Art Innovation Project.

The event has grown out of the National Acrobatic Competition, which was founded in 1984. From its 10th edition in 2019, it was renamed the China Acrobatic Exhibition, and the competition was replaced by a series of performances.

Taking place in Shenyang this year, the event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Liaoning Province.

According to Huang Xiaoju, deputy director of the art department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this year's program features a wide range of productions from 25 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, including those presented by 15 provincial-level acrobatic troupes, 20 troupes at municipal level or lower, as well as national troupes, and will provide an overview of acrobatic standards around China.