NEW YORK—"Fascinating" is a word which comes to mind upon seeing The New Shanghai Circus, others include "awe-inspiring" and "brilliant."
From the moment the show starts the audience is treated to a fascinating display of skill, dexterity, and coordination, which range from juggling a table with one's feet to a very impressive martial arts demonstration. One also gets to see company members juggling while on a tightrope, doing some amazing contortions to get in and out of tight spaces with ease, and leaping through various hoops to a drum/percussion beat—the sounds a nice change from the more traditional music used elsewhere to great effect.
Perhaps the best words to describe the performers would be "intense fluidity." Performing the various acrobatic feats and movements, their bodies seamlessly shift into different positions in a seemingly effortless dance of motion. Yet at the same time, the difficulties of their actions require so much focus, one can literally feel the concentration in the very air while wondering how they are able to accomplish these feats without numerous muscles giving out from the strain at critical moments.
Other highlights include two women performing midair spins and intricate dances while on a six-foot high platform and wearing roller skates; a woman balancing over 100 glasses on her arms, legs, and head, many of which we see her add to the total, one at a time; and members of the company moving about and/or dancing while spinning numerous plates on long sticks. (At least a few of the events, particularly the ones on roller skates, evoked several gasps of fear from the audience.)
According to the program notes, the troupe (originally known as the Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre and founded in 1951) has to date won more gold, silver, and bronze medals in domestic and international circus competitions than any other Chinese acrobatic company. Seeing these performers on stage, it's very easy to see why.
This show is heartily recommended for both children and adults, both groups being well represented in the audience and all of who seemed to be having a wonderful time.
Performing for New Shanghai Circus were Ma Aili, Li Rong, Wang Pandi, Liu Yang, Song Yubin, Song Ying, Liu Yang, Zhai Yanan, Zhai Junnan, Lu Wei, Bai Yang, Li Jiqing, Zhou Guan, Wang Xinyi, and Cai Yong.
New Shanghai Circus
The New Victory Theatre
209 West 42nd Street
Tickets: 646-223-3010 or www.NewVictory.org
Closes: Jan. 6, 2008
Running Time: Approximately Two Hours
Judd Hollander is the New York correspondent for the London publication The Stage.
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