Martial Arts-based Play Staged on Broadway

2009-2-2 14:43:00

performers

Soul of Shaolin, the martial arts-driven tale of an orphan boy raised in the ancient ways of monks, ends its limited-engagement run Jan. 31 at the Marquis Theatre. This performance marked the first time a production from China has appeared on Broadway.

Soul of Shaolin is set in ancient China during a time of war. After being separated from his mother when he was a baby, Hui Guang was rescued and raised by monks in the Shaolin Temple. Under the guidance of his mentor, Hui Guang is instructed in unique ways and daily practices of Shaolin Kung Fu. The play Soul of Shaolin combines the action of Kung Fu and the inaction of Buddhist meditation with a heart-warming story. By presenting the fist technique, the tempering of the body's internal organs and the wrestling skills and tricks of traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, the play brings out their underlying spiritual essence. As a brand-new form of artistic work, Soul of Shaolin shows the beauty and skill of traditional Shaolin Kung Fu.

The artists are highly skilled in Shaolin Kung Fu which is described as the collection of martial arts that is associated with the monks of the Shaolin temple in China's Henan province. This special style is featured by almost superhuman display of strength and agility, but is tempered with the monks' philosophical belief in training the mind, body, and soul.