Jilin Province’s Cultural Exchange Center’s “Great Wall Spirit” Embarks on UK Tour Supported by National Arts Fund
August 12-25, 2024 — The Jilin Province China-Foreign Cultural Exchange Center's art troupe arrived in the UK with their National Arts Fund-supported project, Great Wall Spirit, a grand variety show. Over ten days, this impressive tour presented Chinese art and Eastern aesthetics in cities such as Edinburgh, Cambridge, and London.
The art troupe, consisting of 25 members, is led by Sha Bin, Director of the Jilin Province China-Foreign Cultural Exchange Center, with Zhang Hongtao, Director of the Party Office at Jilin Art College, serving as the artistic director. The troupe's performers come from Jilin Art College, Jilin Song and Dance Troupe Co., Ltd., Changchun Performing Arts Group Acrobat Troupe Co., Ltd., and the Chinese National Academy of Chinese Opera. Great Wall Spirit is a meticulously prepared show featuring a rich array of high-quality performances. The program includes diverse elements of Chinese culture such as traditional musical instruments, Peking opera, acrobatics, martial arts, and folk dance, offering a visually stunning and culturally immersive experience.
On August 12, the troupe arrived in Edinburgh, the first city of their UK tour. Coinciding with the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which attracts top international arts groups every August, the troupe performed on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's historic and picturesque main street. Their performances drew the attention of tourists and locals alike, eager to experience Chinese culture in this historic setting.
The first theatre performance of Great Wall Spirit took place on August 13 at the C Venue in Edinburgh. The show featured a variety of traditional Chinese cultural elements including the opening act, traditional percussion performance Drum Soul, Peking opera pieces The Monkey King and Pear Garden Charm, acrobatic acts like Flower Bed and Crystal Ball Cube, martial arts demonstrations Shaolin Kung Fu, bamboo flute performance The Urgent Supply of Grain, and folk dances such as Coral Ode, White Horse, Beautiful Maiden, Jasmine Blossoms, and Long Drum Dance. The performance fully showcased the performers' skills and depth, delivering a feast of Eastern aesthetics to the audience.
A highlight of the Edinburgh segment was the prestigious performance at the City Chambers on August 14. Performing in front of Deputy Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron was a rare and exceptional achievement, underscoring the importance of this cultural exchange. This moment was a testament to ICI’s successful orchestration of the tour, demonstrating our commitment to fostering international cultural dialogue.
On August 19, Great Wall Spirit made its stunning appearance at The Shaw Theatre in London. The venue was adorned with colorful promotional displays, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. Tickets were in high demand, and the audience's anticipation was palpable. Sha Bin expressed pride in the show’s successful preparation and execution, emphasizing the aim to introduce British audiences to the depth and diversity of Chinese traditional culture. Notably, a framed poster on the theatre’s second floor featured a past production from 2008, Olympic Night, performed by a previous troupe from the Jilin Province China-Foreign Cultural Exchange Center, adding to the sense of continuity and achievement.
Director Liu Chenxing of X Star Production, the UK production team, commented on CGTN, “Art serves as a platform that transcends language barriers and allows the world to better understand our culture. This tour has deeply resonated with British audiences, both local and expatriate, who have shown great interest and appreciation for Great Wall Spirit. It is an honor and responsibility for our team to bring this unforgettable artistic experience to people abroad.”
The Jilin Province China-Foreign Cultural Exchange Center’s tour of Great Wall Spirit in the UK has been a significant and successful endeavor, organized with the support of X Star Production and Intercultural Connections Initiative. The support from the Chinese Embassy, consulates, and various institutions has been invaluable. The tour has received high praise and opened doors for further cooperation, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in fostering international friendship and understanding.
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