'Wing Chun' HK debut strikes a chord

The Shenzhen original dance drama “Wing Chun,” a phenomenal art piece that garnered rave reviews last year, premiered in Hong Kong with five performances at the Lyric Theater of Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from Jan. 4 to 7, presenting Hong Kong citizens a visual feast fusing dance and martial arts.

Spectators wait for the start of drama “Wing Chun” at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts last night. Photos by Lin Jianping

Hong Kong is not only the place where Chinese martial art Wing Chun grandmaster Yip Man popularized the martial art, but is also a cinematographic palace for kung fu and action movies. The culture of Shenzhen and Hong Kong is of the same origin. The debut of “Wing Chun” in Hong Kong has marked a cultural reunion between the two cities, and injects new vitality into the culture of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The five performances of “Wing Chun” in Hong Kong in four days have proved extremely popular and attracted many Hong Kong dignitaries and celebrities. The dance drama, which depicts a story of pursuing dreams, has inspired Hong Kong audiences, triggering strong resonance among them.

Cast members of"Wing Chun" thank the audience after the performance in Hong Kong last night.

The first performance of “Wing Chun” in Hong Kong on Jan. 4 was filled with celebrities and won acclaim from artists such as Cecilia Yip, Lisa Wong Ming-chuen, Wong Bak-ming, and Warren Mok. “Combining martial arts with dance is a very difficult task, and the actors have done it very well!” Yip said.

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a member of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, had previously made a special trip to Shenzhen to watch “Wing Chun.” Fok watched the drama for a second time on the evening of Jan. 5, with his wife Guo Jingjing and his eldest son. He said that the drama not only has beautiful choreography, but also reflects the long-lasting bond between Hong Kong and the mainland.

Hong Kong singer Cecilia Yip talks to media at the Hong Kong premiere of "Wing Chun" on Jan. 4.

“If our culture wants to have influence internationally, we must have fine works,” said Jim Zeng, director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s GBA service center.

Other Hong Kong citizens have also shown great enthusiasm for “Wing Chun.” “It’s both traditional and modern. After reading it, I want to learn Wing Chun after also watching it,” said a student from Creative Secondary School. There were many elderly people among the audiences. A senior citizen surnamed Ho, who is over 70 years old, was very excited after watching the performance. “Very good, it really got my adrenalin flowing and reminded me of some past events.”

Yip Kong-chiu, a member of the Wing Tsun Athletic Association and the eldest grandson of Yip Man, commented, “The effect of promoting Wing Chun and traditional Chinese culture in the form of dance drama is beyond imagination.”

Spectators check out "Wing Chun"-related souveniors at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

“I was very happily surprised to see so many aspects of Hong Kong culture so accurately represented and the story of Yip Man’s ascension as a very well-respected martial arts artist in Hong Kong,” an expat who identified himself as Patrick, a Canadian who has been living in Hong Kong for many years, told Shenzhen Daily.

“To see this kind of performance coming out of Shenzhen, I think it really raises the curtain on Shenzhen becoming known more for its culture and its arts,” Patrick said.

Just as Yip Man successfully popularized Wing Chun in Hong Kong, the dance drama “Wing Chun” is also expected to gain a foothold in the international performing arts market, through its telling of Chinese stories on the global stage.