ATHENS, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) — The much-anticipated Chinese acrobatic show Flying Fairy, brought to life by the renowned Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, made its dazzling debut in Athens on Friday, captivating Greek audiences with an extraordinary display of talent and artistry that left many spellbound.
The performance masterfully blended acrobatics, drama, and ballet, immersing viewers in a vibrant showcase of China’s rich cultural heritage. Audiences were particularly enchanted by the innovative ballet-on-shoulder acrobatic routine, a hallmark creation by Wu Zhengdan, the troupe’s dynamic general manager, who has garnered acclaim for pushing the boundaries of traditional acrobatics.
The overjoyed spectators at the Christmas Theatre, the largest indoor stage in Athens, responded thunderously with applause and cheers, clearly moved by the elegant performances and breathtaking feats on display. This remarkable show was part of the 2nd annual Sino-Hellenic International Theater Festival, an initiative aimed at strengthening and deepening the cultural ties between the ancient civilizations of China and Greece, fostering a spirit of international collaboration.
George Kakavas, the director general of contemporary culture at the Greek Ministry of Culture, shared his insight regarding the flourishing cultural exchanges between the two nations, both renowned for their deep-rooted histories and contributions to world civilization.
Wang Ying, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Greece, highlighted the event’s significance, elaborating on how the cultivation of China-Greece cooperation exemplifies a model of mutual cultural enrichment. She emphasized that this powerful partnership encompasses the wisdom of ancient civilizations from the East and West, paving the way for a harmonious future for humanity.
Ioannis Theofanopoulos, the president of the Greece-China Friendship Association and a former ambassador to China, expressed his optimism regarding the future. He voiced hope that Greek audiences would enjoy even more opportunities to immerse themselves in Chinese cultural events, thus further enriching the cultural landscape of Greece. ■
What inspired the creation of the show *Flying Fairy*, and how does it reflect the cultural heritage of China?
**Interview with Zhang Wei, Artistic Director of the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe**
*Date: November 23, 2024*
*Location: Athens, Greece*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Zhang Wei, and congratulations on the successful debut of *Flying Fairy* here in Athens! How did it feel to finally present this show to an international audience?
**Zhang Wei:** Thank you for having me! It was incredibly thrilling to perform in Athens—this city has such a rich history and culture, making it an ideal backdrop for our debut. The audience here is very warm and receptive, which made the experience even more magical for us.
**Interviewer:** *Flying Fairy* is described as a blend of acrobatics, drama, and ballet. Can you tell us more about how you integrated these elements into the performance?
**Zhang Wei:** Absolutely! In *Flying Fairy*, we wanted to create a story that transcends pure acrobatics. Each act is designed not just to showcase physical feats but also to convey emotions and narratives. The dancers and acrobats work together seamlessly, creating a visual tapestry that reflects China’s rich cultural heritage. The ballet elements add a graceful flow, while the dramatic aspects enhance the storytelling.
**Interviewer:** What aspects of Chinese culture are highlighted in this performance?
**Zhang Wei:** The show features traditional Chinese themes, such as harmony with nature and the celebration of life. The costumes, music, and choreography all draw from our cultural roots, inspiring the audience to connect with these themes on a deeper level. We aim to leave viewers not only entertained but also enriched by our cultural expression.
**Interviewer:** Audience reactions can be quite telling. What feedback have you received so far from the Greek audience?
**Zhang Wei:** The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many audience members expressed how they were captivated by the skill and artistry of our performers. Some even mentioned feeling like they were traveling through different aspects of Chinese culture. It’s rewarding to know that our work resonates across cultural lines.
**Interviewer:** As the artistic director, what do you hope audiences take away from *Flying Fairy*?
**Zhang Wei:** I hope audiences leave with a greater appreciation for Chinese acrobatics and the stories we tell through our art. We wish to bridge cultural gaps and show how universal themes of beauty, struggle, and triumph can unite us all, regardless of where we come from.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Zhang, for sharing your insights with us. We look forward to seeing more of the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe’s performances in the future!
**Zhang Wei:** Thank you! We are excited for the opportunity to share more of our work and continue the conversation about art and culture.
