Blood, sweat and tears: behind the scenes of Chinese acrobatic extravaganza
- Gravity-defying show by Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Acrobatic Troupe brings Chinese heroic folklore to life in Hong Kong
- Expert acrobats say sacrifices need to be made by performers to achieve stunning extreme bodily movements
Once upon a time, a king sent his two sons away to two of his country’s rivals as hostages in exchange for peace for his prosperous kingdom.
However, when the king died a few years later, the kingdom’s enemies raced to send their hostage princes back to claim the throne – and gain control for themselves.
One of the princes arrived in his homeland first and became king. But his reign of terror brought enormous suffering to the people. Having witnessed the evil deeds of the new king, the other prince decided to fight his brother and free his countrymen.
Such is the tale inspired by the legend of Loulan, an ancient kingdom located along the Silk Road.
To be an acrobat, there is a mixture of skills you have to develop. A segment lasting a few minutes requires a long time of practice
The story has been told many times, in various versions over the course of history, with one of the interpretations now coming to Hong Kong in the form of an acrobatic show.
