Wing Chun
This show tells the story of Yip Man, a grandmaster of Wing Chun, from the founding of his academy to his his later life. I should note here, as though not an important point, that Yip Man taught Bruce Lee before Bruce developed his own martial art style, Jeet Kune Do.
From the very beginning, I was awestruck. Chang Hongji’s portrayal of Yip Man was incredible, with a procession of turns, swirls, kicks, and other movements executed with effortless flow. This production is so much more than the dance theatre it’s advertised as—it surpasses expectations and defies easy description, but I will try.
In the first act, we see martial arts-inspired dancing, including a beautiful duet with Yip Man’s wife (Xu Tianhui). Unfortunately, the audience seemed hesitant, unsure if applause was appropriate, or perhaps they were simply too stunned by the intricate support and flow in this breathtaking piece.
There are scenes set in a film studio, and these are enhanced by projections across the entire stage that mimic the film defects seen in vintage cinema. This effect instantly transported me and was an ingenious touch by Multimedia Designer Yan Yingjie.
To complement this concept, screens on either side of the stage display the act names and sometimes information reminiscent of silent movie title cards. They are unobtrusive but easy to read when needed.
The second act really takes the Wing Chun to the next level. In one sequence, the intensity of the stage combat is raised tenfold. The fight sequences put big-budget Hollywood films to shame. We see Taichi, Praying Mantis, and Bajiquan in a display that left me questioning where dance ends and martial arts begin.
I won’t spoil the details, but you might want to bring tissues. This show includes the most tragic death sequence I’ve ever witnessed. It’s not gory, just heartbreaking. Even as I write this a day later, it still brings a tear to my eye. Breathtaking, stunning, remarkable—words fail me. This is what happens when art and culture achieve true synergy; tradition and discipline meet precision.
This show was reviewed on the 30th August 2024 at Sadlers Wells Theatre, London where it runs until the 7th September 2024. Tickets available here: Joyway London - Wing Chun - Sadler's Wells Theatre (sadlerswells.com)
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
AD/Gifted
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.