Wing Chun Review: Excellent dance drama showcases the story of Yip Man, running until September 7th at Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Wing Chun brings the story of Bruce Lee’s teacher Grandmaster Yip Man to life in a breathtaking dance drama showing at Sadler’s Wells Theatre until September 7th.
The performance originated in Shenzen, but since first opening, the team behind it has given almost 200 performances. After touring across China, in September 2023 it made its international debut in Singapore.
On August 30th the production made its European debut in London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre. It will run for 12 shows until September 7th. Afterward, it will continue to Paris to give four performances in October.
The show intertwines the story of Yip Man moving to Hong Kong to open a martial arts school, and an old man reminiscing about the first movie he worked on – a film depicting Yip Man’s legendary story.
Between them, the two stories speak of the importance of chasing one’s dreams and the heroics of everyday people.
For a performance named after the legendary martial art form Yip Man promoted, do not head in expecting a performance from beginning to end of cinematic martial arts.
It does incorporate martial arts elements including the aforementioned Wing Chun as well as Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, and Praying Mantis. However, these fights are spread throughout the performance. The fights that do occur are standout moments. An extended performance in the second half sees Yip Man and his Wing Chun triumph over other martial arts.
This performance is rather a breathtaking dance drama, combining both classical and contemporary dance.
This it does exceptionally, the performer’s skills cannot be faulted in the slightest. With dance alone, they are able to tell this thought-proving and rather complex story.
Beyond the performers, little details show the care and attention that went into the performance. In the main opening dance when Yip Man arrives in Hong Kong and meets the local residents of Building 72. Each has their own character.
An uncle with a bird in a wicker cage lounging on a chair, an Aunty playing Mahjong and smoking while her hair rollers are still in. Characters are familiar to anyone who has spent time in Hong Kong.
The sets are also excellent.
Movable sets simultaneously bring you back to 1950s Hong Kong and a busy film set. They turn and move them to fit the requirements of the dancers, effectively bringing multiple different scenes and locations to life.
The excellent use of lighting and projection elevates these sets.
After watching the performance on Saturday evening, Stella said “The whole production, to be able to hear and see the story… I loved it.”
“It was so well rehearsed and put together.”
It also encouraged her to seek out the movies on Yip Man to watch.
For anyone interested in dance or the story of Yip Man this is a must-watch, however, you must be quick. Only a few performances remain before it leaves the UK on September 7th.
If you liked this article why not read: To Live by Zhang Yimou at The Garden Cinema
