Chen Siqi vankochensq@163.com WHEN reporters encountered Andrew at each of the four “Wing Chun” performances in Paris, they were struck by his fervor for the show, which seamlessly melds martial arts, music, dance, and traditional attire. The Shenzhen-produced dance drama “Wing Chun” premiered at the Palais des Congrès de Paris in France on Oct. 4 local time. Over three days, it mesmerized theatergoers with its artistic allure and rich cultural undertones. Andrew, a software engineer from London, shared that the fusion of Chinese martial arts, contemporary dance, and traditional Chinese music deeply resonated with him. A connoisseur of martial arts and contemporary dance, he found “Wing Chun” to be an exquisite blend. Having first experienced the dance drama in London, Andrew specifically journeyed to Paris to relive its magic. On the first leg of its European tour, “Wing Chun” dazzled audiences with 12 performances when it debuted in London. Now, after a month, it has made its second stop in Paris. Winning hearts of global audience The battle sequences featuring Yip Man, the Wing Chun grandmaster, engaging four other kung fu masters is the show’s pinnacle. As Yip Man adeptly countered his opponents’ techniques, resounding applause filled the theater during each performance. “For ordinary viewers, the profound cultural connotations in the drama can be difficult to grasp. Yet, ‘Wing Chun’ achieves a remarkable depth,” said Athena Sofia, a fashion blogger who attended the show. She highlighted the female characters, who embody a gentle yet powerful strength and display the power of women in a nuanced way. Tarek Assam, a ballet director and choreographer from Germany, lauded the scenes that depict women gracefully dyeing fabric. He said the performance exuded elegance despite the martial arts theme and aspired to introduce the dance drama to a wider European audience. A French couple, drawn in by the show’s poster, commented, “Performances like this don’t require any language. Actions can replace words — perfectly complemented by the music.” Since last September, “Wing Chun” has toured globally under the “Shenzhen Stories” initiative, aiming to promote international cultural exchanges. To date, it has graced stages in Singapore, London, and Paris. Why ‘Wing Chun’ The dance drama’s dual narrative not only delves into martial arts and the Chinese intangible cultural heritage of Xiangyunsha, but also provides a profound depiction of daily existence that enables audiences to delve into Lingnan culture alongside martial arts. Throughout the performance, messages of resilience and bravery are apparent through character arcs. Within an innovative artistic framework, the creators of “Wing Chun” ingeniously fused two elements of Chinese intangible cultural heritage — the martial art of Wing Chun and gambiered Guangdong gauze (Xiangyunsha). The Paris premiere adopted efficacious marketing strategies, leading to a noticeable surge in ticket sales, as indicated by Lucy Lee, president and producer of a French production company. According to Lee, martial arts serve as an excellent gateway for viewers to explore Chinese culture. The innovative expression seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, enticing both Eastern and Western spectators. Feng Shuangbai, the scriptwriter for “Wing Chun,” said that for Chinese culture to gain global recognition, it necessitates resonance in values, empathy, and a shared appreciation of aesthetics — all of which “Wing Chun” successfully achieves. A window to understand Shenzhen The Shenzhen-produced performance has enriched the audiences' understanding of the city, sparking interest in Parisian spectators to visit Shenzhen. “In this show, I witness the modernity of Shenzhen. The future is embodied in this performance, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the city,” stated Laurent Brunner, director of the Opera Royal, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles. Alain Labat, president of the Federation of Franco-Chinese Associations, commended the vivacious artistic innovation in Shenzhen. He discussed the show’s contribution to the advancement of Chinese arts, noting the growing exchanges and collaborations between Shenzhen and France, with more French youth recognizing Shenzhen’s significance, both in China and globally, and becoming eager to explore opportunities there. Renowned architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Jean Nouvel graced the finale of “Wing Chun” in Paris. As the architect behind the Shenzhen Opera House, he acknowledged that while the narrative of “Wing Chun” harks back to the past, it mirrors Shenzhen’s contemporary essence. “Shenzhen is not solely a bustling city. Its creative energy has spurred the growth of other cities, harmonizing economic and artistic prowess,” reflected Nouvel. Since its debut in December 2022, “Wing Chun” has toured over 40 cities and performed in three foreign countries. It is expected to continue incorporating young talent, ensuring the show’s vibrant future. | 