Journey to the West
Thursday, July 9th, 2009
Journey to the West
“Journey To The West” 16-19 July – one of China’s most famous literature masterpieces, written by Wu Cheng’en of the Ming Dynasty is based on the legend of Monk Xuanzang as he travels west in search of Buddhist scriptures with his three disciples, Monkey King, Pigsy and Sandy.
This acrobatic rendition of the much-loved folktale is retold in 5 acts. The story unfolds with the irreverent monkey who wreaks havoc in the Heavenly Palace and is subdued by Buddha. Monkey King submits himself to protecting Xuanzang on his journey.
They undergo many sufferings and obstacles along the way. The White Bone Demon, in order to consume the flesh of the monk to gain immortality, changes herself into a maiden, an old lady and an old man to trick the monk. At the Kingdom of Women, the beautiful queen falls in love with Xuanzang and tries to impede his journey by every possible means. Their journey also includes the trap set by Spider Demon, the flames from the fire-covered mountain, the wrath of the Ox Monster and Iron-Fan Princess.
However, these hardships while testing their willpower cannot stop their determination in searching for the Buddhist sutras. Monkey King succeeds in breaking all the traps and protecting Xuanzang and they finally arrive at “Western Paradise” – the birthplace of Buddhism.
Performed by over 80 artists from the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China, the performance won awards for its breathtaking display of dance and martial arts against a backdrop of modern stage technology. Write your comment for this event?
by:sistic.com.sg