From October 13th to October 14th, the acrobatic drama "Swan," will take the spotlight as the closing act of the 2023 Guangzhou Arts Festival. Headlined by nationally acclaimed performers and "Ballet on Shoulder" pioneers Wu Zhengdan and Wei Baohua, this performance promises to once again showcase the astonishing beauty of "Ballet on Shoulder."

This innovative production seamlessly blends various art forms, including drama, acrobatics, and ballet, to bring to life the struggles of modern-day Chinese acrobats. It also engages in a cross-cultural dialogue between Guangzhou's original masterpieces and the world's artistic treasures, paying tribute to the endearing and admirable artists.

In the year 2000, Wu Zhengdan, along with her partner Wei Baohua, embarked on a four-year journey to create a groundbreaking form of art. They drew inspiration from disciplines like acrobatics, ballet, and gymnastics, ultimately achieving the unthinkable - bringing ballet, traditionally confined to the tips of one's toes, to the human shoulders. This marked the birth of the "Ballet on Shoulder" genre within acrobatics.

"Ballet on Shoulder" holds a significant place in the history of global acrobatics, often described as "elegant acrobatics and thrilling ballet." In 2004, China unveiled the world's first acrobatic drama, "Swan Lake," signaling a theatrical revolution in the realm of Chinese acrobatics and setting a revolutionary benchmark for artistic innovation.

In 2023, Guangzhou Acrobatic Arts Theater proudly presents "Swan," a production that weaves the growth story of acrobat Yu Meng, the creative journey of "Ballet on Shoulder," and the genesis of the acrobatic drama "Swan Lake" into a seamless narrative. The play pays homage to the unwavering spirit of countless artists who tirelessly pursue innovation on their creative journeys.

"Swan," the acrobatic drama, takes inspiration from the classic Western ballet "Swan Lake." It employs artistic imagination and creativity to transport audiences to a magical realm, offering a glimpse into the inner world of the protagonist, Yu Meng. Through the interplay of "reality" and "fantasy," the production vividly portrays Yu Meng's courage in the face of adversity and her steadfast beliefs, even in moments of doubt.

In an era where cultural exchange and mutual learning transcend borders, respect, appreciation, learning, dialogue, and communication become paramount. "Swan," the acrobatic drama, tells the story of modern Chinese acrobats, inviting a cross-cultural exchange dialogue between China's original "Ballet on Shoulder" and the world's cultural gem, "Swan Lake."

视频丨“肩上芭蕾”惊艳亮相！杂技剧《天鹅》本周末在广州上演

10月13日、14日，杂技剧《天鹅》将作为广州艺术节2023闭幕演出在广州大剧院上演。国家一级演员、“肩上芭蕾”创始人吴正丹及魏葆华领衔主演，将为观众再度呈现惊艳的“肩上芭蕾”。

该剧通过戏剧、杂技、芭蕾等多种艺术形式相融合的创新演绎形式，再现新时代中国杂技人的奋斗故事，并以广州原创精品与世界文艺瑰宝进行跨文化交流对话，致敬并传播文艺工作者可亲可爱可敬的形象。

2000年，吴正丹携手搭档魏葆华从杂技、芭蕾、体操等艺术门类中汲取养分，潜心创作近四年，将芭蕾这一足尖上的艺术首次移至人的身上，开创杂技新流派“肩上芭蕾”。

“肩上芭蕾”在世界杂技发展史上占有重要席位，被誉为“优雅的杂技、惊险的芭蕾”。2004年，中国诞生了世界第一部杂技剧《天鹅湖》，标志着中国杂技开启了戏剧化的探索，是具有革命性艺术创新的典范之作。

2023年，广州市杂技艺术剧院推出杂技剧《天鹅》。该剧以杂技演员羽梦成长经历为主线，将“肩上芭蕾”的创作历程以及杂技剧《天鹅湖》的诞生过程贯穿始终，致敬广大文艺工作者在创作之路上锐意创新的匠心精神。

杂技剧《天鹅》借助西方经典芭蕾舞剧《天鹅湖》的戏剧情境，通过艺术想象与创造，营造出一个魔幻时空，呈现主人公羽梦的内心世界，并通过“现实”与“梦幻”的双重叙事时空相互交错，刻画出羽梦在面对逆境时的勇气，和经历彷徨迷茫后依然坚持的执着信念。

超越文明的交流互鉴，需要尊重、欣赏、学习、对话、沟通。杂技剧《天鹅》通过新时代中国杂技人的奋斗故事，以中国原创的“肩上芭蕾”与全人类的文化瑰宝《天鹅湖》进行跨文化的交流对话。

文｜记者 黄宙辉 通讯员 姚惠
图、视频｜创演方提供
翻译丨刘佳慧
责编丨古司祺
校对丨桂晴