Beijing Red Theater

Hours & Admission Price Peak Season
Jan.-Dec.
0:00-24:00
Free Low Season
Jan.-Dec.
0:00-24:00
Free Address & Phone Transportation Take bus NO.716, 320, 323, 355, 365, 300, 8, 12, 23, 57, 715. Notes

Chongwen District theater hosts cultural performances, stage plays, concerts and "The Legend Kung Fu" stage show in a nicely renovated facility.

Beijing Red Theater is Originally known as Chongwen Worker's Cultural Palace Theater. After the renovation, the stage facilities has been dramatically improved and now the theater specializes in traditional Chinese performances, such as "The Legend of Kung Fu".

The legend of Kung Fu

The legend of Kung Fu: follows the story of a young boy found wandering outside an ancient temple. Like every boy in China, he dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master. On the road to enlightenment the young monk encounters many difficulties and temptations.

 

The show has English subtitles shown above the stage to keep you informed of the story line. The actors do not speak, the show is all Kung Fu, dance and acrobatics. It is the fusion of modern dance with Chinese traditional arts which make this performance unique and spectacular.

The best Kung Fu practitioners from all over China have been found for this production and it shows on the stage. Their average age is just 17 years old! Additionally the costumes, set design and special effects are up to international standards, created by some of the best stage directors and designers in China.

Scenes

 

Scene 1: Initiation

The little monk arrives at the temple, but being of an adventurous spirit, he can not settle into the strict discipline of the temple. So his master demonstrates his unbelievable powers, and soon he realizes that this is the only way for him, and so is initiated into the temple and given the name Chun Yi which means the pure one.

Scene 2: Learning

The little monk is studying Zen and Kongfu very hard, he soon masters many Kongfu skills. The years have passed by and the boy becomes a man.

Scene 3:Casting

The razor sharp swords are created from the sweat and toil of the blacksmiths. After many years of similar toil, Chun Yi transforms his body into iron.

Scene 4: Illusion

During any form of spiritual growth, the biggest obstacle we encounter is ourselves. Chun Yi can not suppress his natural desires, and so chases the illsion of the beautiful fairy he has created in his mind, and hence can not continue with his Buddhist practices.

Scene 5: Remorse

The monk Chun Yi loses his way of Buddhist practices, and so damages his Kongfu. Once the illusion has gone, Chun Yi suffers from great remorse, and punishes himself and then meditated longing to be liberated from all earthly desires. Finally he returns to the path of enlightenment, he demonstrates his strong will and courage by breaking metal and stone with his iron body.

Scene 6: Passing through the gate

Passing through the temple gate is a glorious ritual for a monk; he must achieve this final task to become a warrior monk. Chun Yi, having freed himself of his ego, he now fears nothing; he and his fellow monks have demonstrated their courage and heroism in winning the battle.

Epilogue: Enlightenment

After his long and arduous journey his old master passes on the stave to him, and he becomes the Zen master, the old master lights the funeral pyreto celebrate the end of this life.

 

 

Beijing Culture