skills that beggar belief!
Wheel of Life rolls into Jozi
Written by Lesego Madumo
Monday, 01 February 2010
The Shaolin monks are the ultimate masters of kung fu

The awesome Shaolin monks are back after five years, with their breathtaking martial arts show. Go see it; be amazed.

THE ultimate masters of kung fu, the Shaolin monks, are making their way from China's Henan province to Joburg to defy death in the Wheel of Life.

Wheel of Life showcases the practising monks' uncanny martial arts skills, skills that beggar belief. There are ferocious stunts and awe-inspiring feats, such as breaking iron bars with a bare head, being hoisted up on razor-sharp spears, smashing bricks, lying between beds of nails and swords - and all of this causing no harm to the body.
Displaying near-miraculous feats of physical endurance
Displaying near-miraculous feats of physical endurance

The show opens at the Teatro at Montecasino, in Fourways on 9 March and runs until 22 March.

Shaolin monks are kung fu masters, having refined their martial art over 15 centuries. Their practice demands experience and extreme discipline. According to organisers of the production, Wheel of Life showcases "the near-miraculous feats of physical endurance which are the outward expressions of an inner peace, harmony and iron will".

Battle
The show is a melange of death-defying acts, kung fu, imaginative music, high-technology lighting and a marvellous stage set. It relates captivating folklore and anecdotes of the Shaolin monks' ancient battle to establish an independent authority and safeguard their temple. Performances mirror closely and celebrate Shaolin history, religion and physical prowess.

"This combination of explosive power, imaginative theatrics and traditional storytelling will produce an event for which there is no parallel," enthuse organisers in a press statement.

The production has been seen by millions around the world. It is the monks second visit to Johannesburg - they were last here in 2005. "We are very excited to bring the Shaolin monks back to South Africa, particularly after the tremendous success they enjoyed when they last visited," says Attie van Wyk, the chief executive of Big Concerts International, the event organisers.

Van Wyk notes that they are highly trained and exceptionally skilled in kung fu. Each riveting performance is adrenaline-filled and heart stopping, he says.

Wheel of Life is the only show that features ordained soldier monks from the Shaolin Temple in Henan, in China. It is the only one authorised by the Venerable Shi De Ying, fangzhang of the temple, and supported by the Henan provincial government.

Practice
Shaolin monks are known for their Zen philosophy and exceptional martial arts skills, which are acquired through meticulous daily practice and intensive meditation. In China, Zen is a school of Buddhism that emphasises theoretical knowledge and the study of religious texts.

The order dates back some 1 500 years, and its devotees have always found solace in meditation. They use it to enforce discipline in martial arts, which they regard as evidence of their devotional religion. The deaf-defying stunts that have come to characterise the monks' performances have earned them the reputation as "the ultimate masters of kung fu: Buddhist soldier monks".

According to the performance's organisers, Wheel of Life will be a showcase of physical endurance. "This is a show that combines the rich vocabulary of the Chinese theatre, the traditional iconography of oriental Buddhism and the technical sophistication of the contemporary rock arena," reads the press statement from Big Concerts International.

It is directed by Micha Bergese and designed by Mark Fisher with choreography by Darshan Singh Bhuller and music by John Harle.

Wheel of Life is at the Teatro at Montecasino from 9 to 22 March. Ticket prices range from R99 to R325 per person. There are group discounts of 10 percent for 20 or more people, and 15 percent for 100 or more people; the same applies to students with valid student cards.

Bookings can be done through Computicket outlets countrywide on 083 915 8000 or on the Computicket website. For group bookings telephone Paula Kelly on 011 510 7905, or email paulak@tsogosun.com