The production becomes a riveting visual spectacle that showcases elegance and grit in its technical elements, as well as jaw-dropping martial arts and dance. Seeing and hearing the production becomes the ultimate sensory experience.
I had no idea what to expect at this North American premiere of a fusion of two dual-narrative storylines, woven together by the common thread of artistic empowerment and human connection through movement. I don’t have any background or training in dance and movement, but I can tell when the art form moves on an emotional level.
That is precisely what happened.
One line from the press release about Wing Chun Dance Drama draws interest: “[it’s] a pulse-pounding blend of acrobatic dance, precision martial arts, and cinematic staging with breathtaking visuals.”
By the end of Act One, given the above statement, my first thought about this pulse-pounding blend of theatrical elements is that Wing Chun Dance Drama remains beautiful and ferocious at once in its staging and movement.
The conclusion of the Second Act only solidifies the above statement, and thus the reason for the headline.
It’s helpful to have some background context without spoiling too much of the unfolding story.
The first narrative follows Master IP Man (Chang Hongji) as he journeys to Hong Kong. He dreams of promoting Wing Chun, a martial art. The second follows Dachun (Feng Haoran), a lighting technician on a 1990s film crew, as they work to capture IP Man’s story and preserve it, and the man’s incredible, prescient spirit.
On a side note, late-60s and 70s martial artist Bruce Lee was a student of IP Man. While IP Man is a Chinese grandmaster, this North American premiere serves as a tribute to ordinary people who chase their dreams and become greater by helping others achieve their goals of strength, resilience and perseverance.
Does this North American premiere follow a linear narrative? Not really, but I don’t want to give away too much here, as the beauty of this piece lies in its live theatre experience.
There’s a regal kingship to Chang Hongji’s on-stage performance as IP Man.
He’s confident. He’s determined. He’s highly respected. He’s focused.
At first, Feng Haoran’s Dachun subtly creates an aura of mystery and intrigue as the lighting technician. When he enters at the top of the show and descends to far stage left to turn on the lights, he’s subdued yet focused on setting the scene. Yet, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Haoran’s Dachun retains a stoic, silent presence, alongside Hongji’s strong commitment to instilling and championing the human spirit through perseverance. Yet there’s a peaceful sense of finality and closure in the final moments involving Dachun. Highly moving.
Hongji, Haoran, and the 20+ company ensemble are firmly grounded in their onstage movement. It’s as if the entire company can feel energy beneath their feet and harness that kinetic force to its fullest. Choreography by Han Shen and Zhou Liya remains uniformly crisp, sharp, and clean.
Visually, the production is remarkable. Of specific note are the costume designs, which, according to the press release, feature gambiered Guangdong Gauze, an ancient, handcrafted, dyed fabric from the Lingnan region of China. The fabric has earned the title of China’s most precious silk. The costumes capture the essence of traditional Chinese culture, human stories, and social emotions, showcasing the link between intangible cultural heritage and modern design.
Visual projections fill the screen with vivid images. What’s particularly effective are the projections depicting the ‘filming’ of the Wing Chun story. Set pieces are moved into place by ensemble members with a refined grace. The pacing never feels rushed or hurried. There’s a sense of duty in moving pieces from one locale to the next.
At the end of the performance, the characteristic traits of Wing Chun are projected. Please pay attention to each of those traits. Each one can be applied to the daily life of the modern twenty-first-century human life.
Wing Chun Dance Drama, most importantly, serves as a tribute to the ordinary twenty-first-century person. Each of us has dreams we want to chase. In this unconventional Christmas/holiday gift to the city of Toronto, diverse audiences witness the strength of Chinese martial arts blended with the beauty and ruggedness of contemporary dance.
It becomes a unique artistic creation. And a wonderful gift to yourself and your loved ones.
Please, go see Wing Chun Dance Drama.
Running time: approximately two hours and fifteen minutes with one interval/intermission.
The production runs through January 4, 2026, at Toronto’s Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street East. For tickets: www.tolive.com or call the Box Office (416) 366-7723, or boxoffice@tolive.com.
TO LIVE, CANADA CHINA CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION and ADEM present
Wing Chun Dance Drama, created by Shanzhen Opera and Dance Theatre
Produced by The International Cultural Exchange Association, Shenzhen, China, and China Culture, Tourism, Sports, Radio & Television Bureau of Shenzhen, China.
Movement sequences created by Han Shen and Zhou Liya
Principal Dancer: Chang Hongji
