Walking the cultural tightrope

The productions focus on acrobatic skills, including traditional acrobatic techniques, head balancing, bicycle tricks and aerial acrobatics.

"In the past, performances were mostly based around a core of techniques, which allowed Chinese acrobatic shows to frequently win international awards. But with the development of the times and changing audience expectations, many practitioners are now experimenting with ways to merge their acrobatic skills with narratives," Huang says.

"Acrobatic dramas merge acrobatics with other genres including magic, comedy, plays, dance and music, to promote advanced socialist culture, revolutionary culture and traditional Chinese culture. The overall quality of productions has been improving."

An array of subjects is covered by the productions, with many based on realistic themes. Tianshan Snow, a collaborative production by troupes from Shanghai and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, highlights the friendship and collaboration between people of the two regions. The Inner Mongolia Art Theatre's Our Beautiful Life tells the story of art academy graduates devoting themselves to rural vitalization.

In addition to the performances, a series of events will also take place, including seminars, post-performance review sessions, and performances hosted in the city's peripheral areas.

According to Lu Xichao, deputy director of the Liaoning Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the local government will arrange for elderly residents in welfare homes, children, model families and talented individuals to attend the performances.

To encourage more people to enjoy the performances and Shenyang itself, occasional two-for-one deals will be offered, giving showgoers complimentary scenic spot tickets.

During the event, all performers with valid credentials will enjoy free access to some local attractions, such as the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum.

"Through the acrobatic exhibition, we invite people from across the country to visit Liaoning province to enjoy exceptional performances, and experience Liaoning's culture and lifestyle," Lu says.

"This event is not just a showcase of skills, it's also a vibrant presentation of local culture and art."

Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn