Life begins at RETIREMENT

The Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China has won more than 80 awards at domestic and international acrobatic competitions. The most recent was in 2008 where the troupe was awarded the Golden Clown Award at the 32nd Monte Carlo International Acrobatic Competition. "Journey to the West" won Gold at the National Acrobatics Competition, which is part of the China Acrobatic Gold Chrysanthemum Award.

The key individuals who created this show were:

Cao Jianping - Artistic Director

Chen Weiya - General Director

Xu Peidong - Composer

Feng Shuangbai - Playwright

The whole performance was divided into 4 acts:

- First: Storm in the Heavenly Palace

- Second: Three Attacks against White-bone Demon

- Third: Kingdom of Women - Spider Cave

- Fourth: Fire-covered Mountain

- Epilogue

What's interesting about this show is that the actors/actresses were athletes - each extremely capable to show off multiple acrobatic skills. However, it is not just simply a demonstration of their skills and their slim muscular bodies. It is the troupe's ability to incorporate each actor/actress's acrobatic skill to showcase the characters and tell the classic story with energy, excellent stage lighting, set and costumes. And all these using the theatrical elements.

The acrobatic skills includes swaying pole climbing, tram-poling, diabolo juggling, hoop diving on the trampoline. All were done to precision beyond belief.

We thoroughly enjoyed the show. It brought back memories of me telling my children this classic novel story when they were very young. The show allows me to appreciate the classic novel and also the times I spent with my children. Of course, this time, it was action packed.

Retirement should include time enjoying watching shows such as this. Of course, the ticket fare is expensive. So, we need to be selective of which shows to see. Go enjoy a show.