After a long hiatus, the highly popular China National Acrobatic Troupe will be back in July to perform an acrobatics extravaganza titled "Me and My Youth" to lift the curtain on the International Arts Carnival (IAC), a summer arts festival presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. "Me and My Youth" is also one of the programmes of the inaugural Chinese Culture Festival, and a celebratory programme of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Founded in 1950, the China National Acrobatic Troupe is the largest of its kind and the only national-level performing group on the Mainland, most celebrated for its seamless incorporation of modern technology into traditional acrobatics. Always pushing the limits of human performance, its members possess exceptional qualities, ranging from strength, precision, balance and co-ordination to skill, courage and artistic flair. The troupe's last appearance in the 2017 IAC earned great acclaim from the audience.
As a programme marking the 70th anniversary of the troupe, "Me and My Youth" showcases the very essence of its repertoire and reinterprets classic acrobatics in a new and vibrant style. Its best talents are set to give their all, delivering beautifully choreographed stunts such as trick cycling, sway pole and plate spinning. Of particular note is the men's bicycle feat, a highlight of the 2023 China Central Television Spring Festival Gala where the troupe's amazing physical prowess left the audience in awe.
The China National Acrobatic Troupe has won countless accolades both at home and abroad, such as two Golden Clown Awards of the Monte Carlo International Acrobatic and Circus Competition in Monaco; the Gold Prize and Budapest Grand Prix at the 15th Budapest International Circus Festival in Hungary; and the Gold Prize at the 3rd Figueres International Circus Festival in Spain.
The IAC opening programme "Me and My Youth" will be held at 7.30pm on July 5 and 6, and 3pm on July 6 and 7 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Tickets priced at $220, $320, $420 and $480 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone booking, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app "URBTIX".
The matinee at 3pm on July 6 is an accessible performance with audio description in Cantonese. A touch tour will be provided prior to the performance for people with visual impairment and their companions.
For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk.
This year's IAC will run from July 5 to August 11 featuring a wide array of fun-filled educational programmes by overseas, Mainland and local art groups and artists. In addition to acrobatics, magic, dance, music, theatre and puppetry, the IAC will also offer film screenings, online programmes, parent-child workshops and an exhibition.
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