On the evening of October 4, the original dance drama “Wing Chun” made a remarkable debut in Paris, drawing a diverse crowd that included high-profile figures such as Lu Shaye, the Chinese Ambassador to France, and his wife, Wang Liwen. Also present were Yang Xinyu, China’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, and Qu Xing, the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO. They were joined by influential personalities from various sectors—politics, business, and academia—such as Rabat, the President of the Franco-Chinese Friendship Association, Alozé, former chair of the National Assembly’s Franco-Chinese Friendship Group, and Kang Peng, former chair of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee. Together with over 2,000 French spectators, they witnessed this extraordinary performance.
In his foreword for the program, Ambassador Lu Shaye emphasized that Wing Chun, a celebrated martial arts discipline from China’s Lingnan region, embodies core values of resilience, integrity, and benevolence that are intrinsic to Chinese culture. He expressed optimism that “Wing Chun” would enrich the French audience’s appreciation of genuine Chinese culture and contemporary artistic expressions.
The performance captivated the audience with breathtaking martial arts choreography and intense combat scenes showcased by skilled performers, interwoven with narratives about heroes pursuing their dreams. The cast’s seamless integration of martial arts and dance elicited thunderous applause and cheers, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the theater.
Following the performance, Ambassador Lu and his wife hosted an intimate reception for select guests, creators, and supporters of “Wing Chun.” Attendees savored Chinese delicacies while engaging in animated discussions about the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, future high-level exchanges, and various cultural initiatives, fostering a lively exchange of ideas about cultural collaboration.
Prominent attendees, including Rabat, Almaine, the president of “Le Figaro,” and Brune, the director of the Royal Opera of Versailles, alongside enthusiastic scholars and noted French dance influencers, were all praise for the stunning and impactful performance. Even a young British man, who had chosen to attend a second showing of “Wing Chun,” remarked on the unforgettable nature of the evening.
Produced by the Shenzhen Foreign Cultural Exchange Association and the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports, the dance drama “Wing Chun” will continue its Paris run with four additional performances at the Palais des Congrès from October 4 to October 6.
