Two evenings dedicated to Chinese culture are taking place tomorrow and on Saturday featuring Shaolin Kung Fu and an acrobatics performance.
The Shaolin Monks’ training combines martial arts, film, sports, arts, traditional culture and modern technology with Shaolin Kung Fu characteristics. The troupe performs daily to over 1,000 visitors and may hold up to 10 performances in one day.
Demonstrations during the two events will include elements of Kung Fu boxing, Jingang boxing, Tongbei Quan and Animal Boxing.
The audience will also be able to witness a special feat referred to as Breaking Through the Shaolin Temple Gate.
This shows the 18-array challenge, a regulation of the Shaolin monks’ order which states that one disciplined in Shaolin Kung Fu would have to defeat 18 gatekeepers of the temple before being able to leave. If unsuccessful, departure would be denied.
The Puyang Acrobatic Troupe is over 150 years old and is the only state-owned acrobatic troupe in Puyang City, the hometown of acrobats.
The group, currently consisting of over 200 members, has won several prestigious awards and has performed in over 40 countries to date.
Performers will be taking part in the Acrobatic Diabolo (known as the Chinese Yo-Yo), contortionist acrobatics and single-hand balancing acts.
■ Tomorrow’s event will take place during the Moon Festival at the Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija at 8pm. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Saturday’s event is being held at St George’s Square, Valletta, at 8.30pm. Free tickets for the spectacle, subject to availability, can be obtained from the China Cultural Centre, Valletta until Friday, from 8.30am to 12.30pm. For more information, call 21225055 or email maltaccc@gmail.com.
The Dengfeng Zhongyue Shaolin Boxing Culture Troupe and the Puyang Acrobatics Troupe from Henan Province, China, have been brought over by the Cultural Department of Henan Provincial Government and the China Cultural Centre in Malta. The events are supported by the Santa Luċija and Valletta local councils.