Walking the cultural tightrope

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.

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."