'Wing Chun' UK debut wows audience, sparking desire to visit SZ

Shenzhen dance drama "Wing Chun," which seamlessly blends martial arts with dance, has earned the admiration of British spectators for its unique artistic style and cultural depth since its debut at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on Aug. 30 local time.

A poster for Shenzhen dance drama "Wing Chun" is seen at the Hyde Park Corner Station in London. Photo by Zhang Yu

The captivating performances have attracted many theatergoers, who have expressed desire to visit Shenzhen and experience the city firsthand.

British actor and stuntman Jack Jagodka at an interview with Shenzhen News Group. Photo by Shenzhen News Group

British actor and stuntman Jack Jagodka, present at the dance drama’s U.K. premiere, expressed his eagerness to visit Shenzhen. “I’d love to go to Shenzhen. 100%. I just want to know what is the best time to go. Hopefully next year I’ll go,” Jagodka told Shenzhen Daily.

Max Browning, a Schwarzman Scholar, at an interview with Shenzhen News Group. Photo by Shenzhen News Group

Max Browning, a Schwarzman Scholar from the U.K. who also attended the premiere, echoed the sentiment. “Shenzhen is such a dynamic city. I had the pleasure of visiting it once with a Scottish delegation,” he said. 

Browning highlighted Shenzhen’s rapid growth and its major companies such as BYD, DJI, and Tencent. He also underscored the city’s commitment to cultural and artistic development, singling out the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra for praise following their successful U.K. tour in March. “I hope they come and do another tour,” he said.

Browning also encouraged people to experience Shenzhen’s charm firsthand. “If you can go to Shenzhen, go to Shenzhen and experience the city for yourself.”

London resident Morris Grant at an interview with Shenzhen News Group. Photo by Shenzhen News Group

The enthusiasm was shared by London resident Morris Grant, who was so impressed by the Aug. 30 performance that he returned the next day for an encore. “I want to see it again, so I’m here again today!” Grant said, having rearranged his work schedule to attend the premiere.

“Those martial arts movements are smooth and powerful, especially master Yip Man’s Wing Chun movements. Every move is full of beauty,” Morris said. His curiosity about Shenzhen was further ignited when he learned that the dance drama originated from the Chinese city. 

“Before yesterday’s performance began, I saw an audience member holding a picture book about Shenzhen. I really want to get a copy to understand this city. I hope to have the opportunity to visit Shenzhen in the future,” Morris said.

Nabeela Zaman, an Oxford graduate who studied Chinese, at an interview with Shenzhen News Group. Photo by Shenzhen News Group

Nabeela Zaman, an Oxford graduate who studied Chinese, attended the performance with friends Sunday afternoon local time. “I think the first half so far is really captivating,” Zaman said during the halftime break.

When asked about her desire to visit Shenzhen, Zaman responded without hesitation, “Of course, I must go!”

Zaman, who had previously studied in China for a year through an exchange program and visited cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, has now added Shenzhen to her list of places to explore in China as inspired by “Wing Chun.”