2024-09-24 09:40:00
In China, in Shenzhen, the dynamic and modern capital of the electronics world with its 17 million inhabitants and 185 skyscrapers higher than 200 meters, we have the unique opportunity to go after the the event of a more traditional show: Wing Chun. This new creation from regional opera is preparing to make its debut on the Paris stage from October 3 to 6, 2024, as part of the 60th anniversary of Franco-Chinese diplomatic relations.
When we arrived, it was time to prepare before the exercises. Dozens of young artists are busy, creating a versatile group that knows how to sing, dance, but also practice martial arts. In total, around fifty performed on stage. Special care is taken with clothes. No less than 200 were created for the event. It is a true work of art, made by the most famous craftsmen in Guangdong province.
A versatile troupe and refined clothes
The specialty of these light fabrics is that they are made of 100% silk. These unique models are designed by a local designer. They are displayed in the store as decoration. It takes at least 2 months to make them completely by hand. Silk is so worked that you might believe it is leather.
It is in the countryside, in Guangdong province, a 2-hour drive from Shenzhen, that this premium silk is made using an age-old technique. Here the farmers work hard to produce the best silk. Indeed China is famous in the world for the excellence of this product. Here, in this traditional factory, silk, called Xiang Yun, is dyed red with the juice of the Scoparia plant, washed in river mud and dried for a long time in the sun. No harsh chemicals are used.
A music show between tradition and modernity
Back at the Shenzhen Opera House, where the show premiered several months ago, we were in awe of the scale of the production. The sets have nothing to envy of Broadway theaters, and the scenery is decidedly modern.
At 2h30, the show “Wing Chun”, which means “Eternal Spring” in Cantonese, looks at the life of Ip Man, the master of Wing Chun, a martial art created three years ago. Man Ip, a native of the city of Foshan, an ancient sage known throughout the country, is Bruce Lee’s teacher in Hong Kong, a famous actor who is famous for one of the most famous variations, Jeet kune do.
Actors, some of whom were former stars, followed the fan groups all the way to the entrance of the theater. All the actors say that it is their honor to talk about the country’s history through this top musical comedy. Wu Tianhui, who is the wife of Ip’s husband, said “it is a pleasure to tell this story in Paris, to celebrate the friendship between two people”.
Chinese spectacle, a new international market
Since its founding in 2022, the group has given more than 200 performances in 40 cities. The day of our visit, the room was full. After several performances in Asia, the exhibition was exported to Europe for the first time, first to London at the end of August, then to Paris in October.
This new show is part of the growing export of Chinese shows around the world. The Shen Yun show has been touring France for many years now. The diplomatic method of exporting the Kannada lifestyle model.
It is clear that the creators of Wing Shun have been able to set a high bar in terms of visuals and stage quality. It seems that the People’s Republic has been able to adapt to the canons of the genre, as it has already done in the economic and industrial fields. Fans of martial arts, dance, or are curious to discover a part of Chinese culture, the show stops in the capital.
Parisians will be able to discover “Wing Chun” at the Palais des Congrès from October 3 to 6, 2024. The games will take place on October 3 and 4 at 8 pm, October 5 at 3 and 8 pm, and October 6 at 3pm. Ticket prices range from 49 to 129 euros.
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