You need to see the Peking Acrobats to believe them! And you'll have the opportunity to see this colorful and spectacular show at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at the Calumet Theatre. Performing a show that's chock-full of amazing feats of precision and strength, these awesome artists defy the laws of gravity and make the impossible seem easy. From energetic tumbling and jumping routines to towering stacks of tables and chairs balanced with bodies, it's nonstop, breathtaking action that is fun for everyone from ages five to ninety-five. This sensational troupe last visited the area in 1998. Thanks to Michigan Tech's Student Entertainment Board they are back with a new show as part of the MTU Great Events Series. For tickets call the Performing Arts Ticket Center (487-3200, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.), stop by the Memorial Union Box Office (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.), or purchase tickets online at www.tickets.mtu.edu.
The Peking Acrobats take simple objects and make acrobatic magic out of them; they climb ropes, juggle porcelain pots big enough to plant orange trees in, teeter on seesaws, and leap through bamboo hoops. In the Tower of Chairs act, the stack of chairs gives the illusion of being glued together. If they're not glued together, how can the performers possibly balance on them? It's only at the end of the act, as the performers and chairs disengage and descend in carefully choreographed order, that you realize the enormous skill it takes to perform such a stunt. The world famous bicycle routine, as seen on the posters for the show, is always a favorite part of the performance and is easier to comprehend. A cyclist circles the stage and is gradually joined by eight or so of his fellow performers to form a human pyramid. It certainly looks easier than the chair act, but it's still not advisable for mere mortals with any expectation of long life to try at home.
Live music, performed on exotic-looking Chinese instruments, as well as a sprinkling of comedy pieces, provide relief from the intensity of some of the more suspenseful exploits. In addition to their acrobatic skills, these performers obviously enjoy and take pride in what they do. They share jokes with the audience and revel with them in the successful conclusions of their daring acts.
The company is under the direction of Hai Ken Tsai whose family has turned out master acrobats for three generations. It is such families who keep the 2000-year-old traditions alive and transform them into modern-day spectacles. Training begins with children as young as five, who start out by watching the performances. They are taught to follow a rigorous schedule, which continues throughout their lives. The touring company includes performers as young as nine, while the average age tends to be 16 or 17.
For more information contact the University Cultural Enrichment Department (487-2844).
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03/02/00