STAFF FOR THE peking acrobats

PROGRAM NOTES
The Peking Acrobats

For over thirty years, The Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. The Peking Acrobats are often accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments; the time- honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival infused with fresh, explosive energy! With this tour, THE PEKING ACROBATS join forces with the SHANGHAI CIRCUS to celebrate 33 years of awesome entertainment with their fans, young and old, in this, the Year of the Rabbit!. 

Many of the magnificent acrobatic acts we see today, despite their sophistication, were performed in ancient times. The history of Chinese acrobatics is rich in tradition and dates back over 2000 years. Throughout the history of China the acrobatic arts flourished, but in varying degrees. Originally, court entertainments were formal and monotonous, quite the opposite of the lively, folk arts of the people. And, it did all begin with folk arts: tumbling, juggling ordinary household objects, and balancing. Common games of the people eventually led to modern day whip feats. Myth and religion also influenced the acrobatic arts. The Lion Dance is Buddhist in origin. The lion was seen as the reincarnation of a woman, who was teased into revealing her true identity. This dance was a symbol of spiritual renewal and revered for dispelling bad luck.

Eventually, however, the excitement of the acrobat’s amazing feats caught on and held the attention of the ruling classes. Acrobatic performers were routinely invited to the court to entertain and impress visiting dignitaries. The varied acts of tumbling, singing, dancing, and juggling became known as “The Hundred Entertainments” during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Records of acrobatic acts can be found as early as the Ch'in Dynasty (221 B.C. - 207 B.C.) and Chinese acrobats through the ages have continued to perfect what has become an evolving folk art form. THE PEKING ACROBATS and THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS’ ability to perform the astounding is rooted in centuries of this Chinese history and folk art. No doubt, the Chinese acrobats of the Han Dynasty would be awe-struck and amazed at how their modern-day counterparts have elevated their art form, and the fact that their folk art tradition, begun so many thousands of years ago, is still going strong, even into the 21st Century!

Tradition demands that each generation of acrobats add their own improvements and embellishments to their acts. Generations of families have carried on this highly acclaimed and popular tradition. Children begin training at a young age and adhere to a rigorous training schedule which they follow over the length of their careers. Today the acrobat in China is considered an artist. Because of the unusual and difficult nature of the feats involved, high honor is conferred upon those skilled enough to become acrobats; in China, an acrobat is considered the Chinese equivalent of an opera star in the West. It is telling that the Chinese acrobatic tradition just gets stronger, due to the continued innovation of the artists and the endless enthusiasm from their adoring public.

Over the years, THE PEKING ACROBATS have been featured on numerous television shows and celebrity TV Specials including The Wayne Brady Show, That’s Incredible, ABC’s Wide World Of Sports, and NBC’s Ring In The New Year Holiday Special. They appeared on NICKELODEON’S hit show Unfabulous, and Ellen’s Really Big Show, hosted by comedian and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres. They set the world record for the Human Chair Stack on FOX’s Guinness Book Primetime TV show where they astounded audiences with their bravery and dexterity as they balanced six people precariously atop six chairs 21 feet up in the air without safety lines! Internationally, they appeared on ArtistGalla in Norway, RAI TV in Italy, and Zapp Live and Limburg Vandaag TV shows in the Netherlands, among many others.

THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS, have been entertaining audiences of all ages for over thirty years in the United States including two six-week Broadway engagements. Recognized as being among the best acrobatic shows that introduces young people to the magic of theatre, these acrobats were awarded Best Variety Show in Branson, MO, due to their continual demonstration of the highest caliber of professional, trained athletes, jugglers and contortionists. Their acts often trace their origins to traditional harvest festivals down through the centuries. It is no wonder The New York Times reported, “THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS is providing entertainment in abundance!”

Each entertainer presents a range of demanding performances, most of them typifying the Chinese Circus and consisting of a refreshing alternative to the usual Western traditions. From the dangerous climbing chair stack high above the audience, about which the New York Times said, “these acrobats provide feats of circus art that reach breathtaking heights of skill.” And just when you think you have seen it all, the highly skilled roller skating duo takes center stage with gravity defying feats of strength and balance. All these and more surprises complete a marvelous and totally exciting entertainment event for theatre going “youngsters” from nine to ninety-two...As CBS News once reported “FANTASTIC!”

THE PEKING ACROBATS have also made the Hollywood scene on the silver screen as some company members were featured in director Stephen Soderbergh’s hit film Ocean’s 11, playing with Hollywood’s elite such as Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. Qin Shaobo, an alumnus of THE PEKING ACROBATS, also appeared in that film’s two blockbuster sequels, Ocean’s 12, and Ocean’s 13. THE PEKING ACROBATS were the featured performers at the glamorous Hollywood Premiere Party of Ocean’s 13 where they impressed the star-studded audience with their incredible acrobatic feats!

THE PEKING ACROBATS are proud to be on the cutting edge of entertainment technology, with the release of their performances in mind-bending 3D on NBC/Comcast’s Xfinity Channel. Fans that may have missed this exciting program on TV should check their local listings for more information on this amazing 3D TV special to experience THE PEKING ACROBATS like never before! THE PEKING ACROBATS were also featured in a 3D TV special, still regularly broadcast by Xfinity. A home version is currently available on DVD, which can be viewed on any DVD player and TV, so everyone can enjoy this thrilling video.

A performance by THE PEKING ACROBATS and THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS brings with it the opportunity to view the epitome of a rich and ancient folk art tradition, highlighted by today’s technology, melding the ancient and traditional with the modern wonders of the 21st Century. It is with much pride and pleasure that THE PEKING ACROBATS embark upon their 33rd Anniversary Tour with their friends THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy as our performers reveal to you their mastery of a fascinating and ancient art form, thousands of years in the making...are YOU ready to be amazed?