Chinese troupe mesmerises audience at PNCA

‘Stunning’, ‘spectacular’, ‘surreal’ – just three of the adjectives that were used to describe the acrobatic performance of a 14-member Guangdong Art Troupe from the People’s Republic of China, who presented their gravity-defying performances for the people of twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) auditorium on Friday.
Like Peter Pan, a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright JM Barrie (1860–1937), a mischievous boy who can fly and who never ages, the troupe members ranging from age 20-30 years, from the Guangdong Province of China, appeared perpetually youthful and vibrant as they put up breathtaking performances at the PNCA auditorium to mark the ‘Chinese Spring Festival’.
The Roots School System (RSS) and PNCA, in association with Chinese Ministry of Culture, Guandong Province Department of Culture and Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, organised back to back performances by the art troupe in the morning and evening of Friday.
In the first performance, the Chinese cultural troupe were also accompanied by the young students of Roots School System, while in the evening performances, the Chinese gymnasts displayed acrobatic skills with balancing techniques. The stage was decorated with with colourful flags of both time tested friends’ flags.
Young Rootsians, in the first scheduled programme, mesmerised the audience with the Chinese Performance titled ‘Festivals of China’ comprised of famous Chinese Ribbon dance, Umbrella Dance, Fan Dance and Stylized Martial Arts Performance to wish Chinese friends a very Happy Chinese New Year. The Chinese solo dances and gymnastic performances by the professional acrobatic troupe trained in China, had lasting impressions on the minds of audience.
RSS Executive Director Walid Mushtaq facilitated the students, who performed exhilarating Chinese performances, showing his commitment for continuous engagement with the Confucius Institute for accelerated and far reaching Chinese Language programme and Summer Schools to China, so that the students could benefit from the exposure and education beyond borders.
In the evening, the PNCA in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy organised a traditional Chinese Art and Cultural Show with the same Chinese Acrobatic Cultural Troupe from Guangdong Province followed by a dinner reception.
Diplomats, civil society members, politicians, foreigners, students and PNCA officials were present on the occasion. The families of armed forces personnel were also invited to witness the event. The programme started with the performances of girls displaying acrobatic skills with balancing techniques. One of the stunning performances was an act of balancing a ceramic pot on the head by a performer. The artiste swung the ceramic pot on his hands and then landed the pot diagonally on his head, gaining the appreciation of the audience.
A female singer sang Hadeeqa Kiyani’s much acclaimed song ‘Bohe Barian’ that stunned the audience. She sang another catchy English number ‘Who’s there’ in which she displayed her dancing skills too. The musical performance was followed by a magic show that delighted the audience, especially the children. The young magicians grabbed the attention by casting the spell of optical illusions, one after another, on the audience. Showing tricks with the help of cards, sticks, handkerchiefs, hats, newspapers and empty envelopes, the magicians entertained the families.
Last but not the least, ‘Golden Meditation’ was presented in which girls juggled golden balls on their hands and feet while sitting and standing upside down with such finesse that the audience was truly spellbound.
Acrobatics is a pearl in the treasure house of the traditional Chinese performing arts. The acrobatic art has existed in China for more than 2,000 years. As early as the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the rudiments of acrobatics existed. By the time of the Han Dynasty (221 BC-220 AD), the acrobatic art or “Hundred Plays” further developed both in content and variety. In the Tang Dynasty, the number of acrobats greatly increased and their performing skills improved a great deal.
The present status of the Chinese acrobatics reflects the industry, resourcefulness, and un-daunting courage of the Chinese people. In the past 40 years and more, many Chinese acrobatic troupes have toured more than 100 countries and regions of the world and promoted friendship and cultural exchanges. At present, there are over 120 acrobatic troupes above the county level, and more than 12,000 people are involved in the performances.