Soul of Shaolin
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| Soul of Shaolin | |
|---|---|
 Original poster | |
| Productions | 2008 Summer Olympics Broadway January 2009 |
Soul of Shaolin was a theatrical event presented on Broadway by Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment to coincide with the celebration of the Lunar New Year in January 2009. The first production from the People’s Republic of China ever to appear on Broadway,[1] its story is told through a display of Chinese martial arts, particularly Shaolin Kung Fu, handed down through generations in the Shaolin Monastery, a Chán Buddhist temple at Song Shan near Dengfeng in China.
The primary focus is on Hui Guang, who as an infant was separated from his mother when she hid him, together with a broken piece of jade identifying his origin, during a period of civil conflict.[2] Discovered by Na Luo, the baby is brought to the temple and raised by the monks who live there. His education includes instruction in the ways of Shaolin Kung Fu and the daily practice of Kung Fu skills. In later years, Hui Guang encounters his mother, now begging on the streets to support herself, being molested by a gang of men. In the ensuing struggle to rescue her, he drops the piece of jade, which she recognizes and pockets. Hoping to find her son, she sneaks into the forest on the temple grounds, where she is captured by Hui Guang. Following an interrogation, it becomes clear who she is. Her request to take her son with her is denied by the abbot, who declares if Hui Gang wants to leave the temple, he must fight his way out, according to the rules require. He does so, and mother and son finally are reunited.
Production
Soul of Shaolin originally was presented at the 2008 Summer Olympics as part of the Beijing arts festival.[3] Following three previews, the Broadway production officially opened at the Marquis Theatre on January 15, 2009, and ran for 21 performances and ended on the 31st. Featuring the Shaolin Temple Wushu Martial Artists, it was directed and choreographed by Liu Tongbiao and starred Yu Fei as Hui Guang as a young man, Zhang Zhigang as Na Luo, Wang Yazhi as Hui Guang's mother, and Bai Guojun as the abbot. The Broadway production has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event and the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience.