What: Cirque Peking: The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China
When: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2 p.m.
Where: Farquhar Auditorium, University Centre, UVic
Admission: $36, students $26, children $16, discount ticket packs available
Info, reservations: 250-721-8480, uvic.ca/auditorium/
If Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai spectacle that passed through town not long ago happened to whet your appetite for more circus magic, you’re in luck.
While Cirque du Soleil won’t be returning here next month, an acclaimed exotic circus troupe that is said to have influenced the creation of Quebec’s world-class company will be.
Peking Dreams, which features the National Circus and Acrobats from the People’s Republic of China, is coming to the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium direct from Beijing for a Sept. 5 spectacle at 2 p.m..
It’s the first show in the University Centre venue’s 2015-2016 season. The visual stunner will be followed by the Kingston Trio on Oct. 4; the fictitious male stripper troupe the Comic Strippers, featuring some of Canada’s top improv comedians, on Nov. 14; and International Guitar Night on Jan. 17, 2016, featuring a stellar lineup of acoustic guitar musicians including Lulo Reinhardt, Mike Dawes and Andre Krengel.
Other attractions include Canadian band the Paperboys (Feb. 13), De Danaan (March 20), described as “the Rolling Stones of Irish traditional music” and the Glenn Miller Orchestra (March 23).
When Peking Dreams performs, ballet, plate-spinning, contortionism, juggling and gravity-defying acrobatics in a dazzling array of styles will provide plenty of family fun, promoters say.
The troupe, founded in 1953, has been celebrated widely in China for its offbeat acts, including the Great Teeterboard, Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, Straw Hats Juggling and Girls Balance With Bowls.
After abandoning the traditional animal-circus model in the 1980s, its coaches were invited to teach Cirque du Soleil artists unique acts including bicycle and Chinese poles, part of the Circus Reinvented program.
Peking Dreams incorporates Peking Opera, martial arts and Chinese circus elements into its acrobatic showcase, complete with colourful costumes, elaborate makeup and mind-boggling stunts.
