While appearing in Hawaii during a tour of the USA 10 years ago, the Tai An Acrobatic Troupe – whose outstanding and exciting acrobats have been selected for this year’s CHINESE STATE CIRCUS received an invitation to the home of ‘elderly and distinguished countryman’. They were ushered into the presence of one of China’s most famous contemporary patriotic figures – General Zhang Xue Liang. The artistes and acrobats were in awe – face to face with a living Patriotic Here of the People’s Republic of China – a man who quite literally changed history.

Here in front of them was the man who was under house arrest for more than 50 years for instigating what is known as the ‘ Xi’an incident’. On 12 th of December 1936 he arrested Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the National Government of the Republic of China and forced him to end the civil war and form a united front with the communists against the Japanese invasion. In return General Zhang agreed to become Chiang Kai-shek’s prisoner. He also undertook to cease all political activity – and after his release in Taiwan in 1990 he emigrated to Honolulu in Hawaii where he died in his 101st year.

But General Zhang also has a revered place in China’s cultural and sporting history. He foiled a plot by the Japanese invaders to send an athlete from the puppet state of Manchuria, by personally paying for the athlete – champion sprinter Liu Chang Chun – to take part in the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It was the first time Chin had taken part in the Olympics. Sadly, Lui failed to get through the qualifying heats – but he had staked China’s claim and earned a place in history.

More than half a century later, in 1984, athletes representing the People’s Republic of China, re-appeared at the Olympic Games of Los Angeles, and won 32 medals including 15 gold medals. Thereafter, China has become an important member country of the International Olympic Committee.

In 2008, Beijing is proud to host the Olympic Games, for the first time in China – and to mark this auspicious occasion, THE CHINESE STATE CIRCUS presents THE OLYMPIC NATIONS TOUR of world-class acrobats, martial arts masters and gymnasts in an unequalled production of physical theatre.

The Tai An Acrobatic Troupe – from which many of the principal artistes have been selected – takes its name from its home city in the foothills of Mount Tai, one of China’s five sacred mountains. It has been a site of religious worship for 3,000 years. Soaring 1,545 meters (5069 feet) above sea level, it is the highest mountain in eastern China, and provides a breathtaking scenic backdrop to the legends, history and culture.

Ever since the first Emperor of China, Quin Shi Huang, held a ceremony on the summit to proclaim the unity of his empire two thousand years ago, Mount Tai has attracted poets, writers, scholars, politicians and warriors – each in search of tranquillity, enlightenment and personal fulfilment. It is now one of the principal tourist areas where visitors can enjoy a kaleidoscope of natural scenery and historical remains.

In Tai An city, the Acrobatic Troupe has developed and flourished. Since China was opened to the world, the troupe has become very active and competitive both in China and abroad. For two years its artistes have been attracting wide acclaim from domestic and foreign audiences in Shanghai. The troupe has also toured many countries including USC, Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Japan, Korea and Singapore. Their success lies in blending the purest tradition of the Chinese Acrobats with startling and creative innovation. You will be amazed, thrilled and delighted by ‘Swinging Poles’,’Hula-Hula’ and ‘Motorcycles in the Globe’ appearing for the first time in the UK. ‘Diabolos’,’Spinning Plates’ and ‘Hoop Diving’ are taken to new heights of physical realisation. The Chinese State Circus would not be complete without that most traditional of complex ensemble acrobatic disciplines – The Lion Dance.

The creator and producer of The Chinese State Circus, Phillip Gandey, constantly bringing forth new ideas in the art of circus and physical theatre. The Chinese State Circus in internationally recognised as the benchmark for acrobatic achievement and innovation. They not only develop and reform the art itself, but also draw on the experience and elements of other disciplines.

Sport has close connections with acrobatics and circus. Most of the basic techniques of the Chinese Acrobatics originate from jumping, somersaults and balancing.

One of the highlights of our new production is the four Chinese athletes, champions of the Jilin province who are performing on a range of gymnastic apparatus. This is the first time that gymnastic gold-medal winners have been integrated In the Chinese State Circus.

In the last three years, Shaolin Wushu warriors of The Chinese State Circus have been built up a huge fan base of support. It is with great pride we welcome them back with – for the first time – two young masters who are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seats.

The integration of the Chinese acrobats of the Tai An Troupe, the athlete champions of Jilin province, along with Shaolin Wushu warriors and boys will make the OLYMPIC NATIONS TOUR 2008 a circus that you will never forget.

TIAN RUN MIN

Artistic Advisor to The Chinese State Circus

Circus Researcher, Beijing