In the ever-shrinking world in which we live, travel across continents has become commonplace and allows for cultures from around the world to be shared and, thankfully, that means that a production like Immortal Chi – A Warrior’s Quest for Harmony can make its way to these shores, for the very first time, and, through the supreme skill of the performers, can amaze and enthrall a brand new audience.
The show opens to the thumping drum beats of the stunning Chinese girl drummers who, using a variety of techniques with their drums and drumsticks, create an incredible sound. The musical accompaniment is completed using an array of genuine Chinese musical instruments which, together with the percussion, give the production a very authentic Chinese feel.
As the lights focus we see, atop a pillar in the centre of the stage, a Tai Chi master is training but, in the middle of his exercises he loses his balance and falls to the stage and then faces the challenge to regain his inner energy – his Immortal Chi.
Using a fusion of spectacularly timed and executed Martial Arts moves, stunning projected images, a fantastic selection of costumes and an original musical score, the cast of over 20 performers lead us on a journey which, although there is no storyline to follow, features various set pieces that emphasise the incredible skill of the cast.
The boys show off their unbelievable mixture of power and grace, of speed and accuracy, and have the audience totally amazed with their traditional, almost balletic, Chinese Wushu techniques, while the girls keep the show moving along with their beautiful music.
Tucked in the middle of the performance we also witness a couple of comedic interludes, one of which sees one man take on a whole army and the other where three, totally unsuspecting, members of the audience suddenly find themselves as the centrepiece in an incredible display of Martial Arts techniques.
The show is a full 2 hours, including the interval, and, as my young son observed as we left the auditorium, it was as if we had spent that time in China, so authentic was the experience.
**** 4 Stars