WHEN THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN: CHINESE CIRCUS AND ACROBATS RETURN TO ANDERSON CENTER

On Monday, November 16th at 7:30pm, the award-winning National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China comes to the Anderson Center Osterhout Concert Theater at Binghamton University.

Since their founding in 1958, China Circus has constantly sought to innovate and improve upon their level of performance, while preserving the distinctive Chinese style. While the origins of Chinese Circus are not clearly known, it seems to have developed around 3,000 years ago, possibly as a folk art introduced to the Imperial Court. Long called “the show of a hundred tricks,” many of its acts have been passed down for generations within families. “Our acrobats begin to train at 10 years old at the Arts School,” explains Ms. Deng, Baojin, artistic director of the troupe, through an interpreter. “After six years, they graduate to become performers of our troupe. Now they practice daily for two hours prior to each performance.”

During the 1980s, the company evolved from an “animal circus,” to one focused on human acrobatics and performance. “Chinese acrobats perform on the theater stage without animals, while western circus uses animals in their acts,” explains Deng, Baojin. It was this model that influenced the pioneers of the popular Cirque du Soleil.

Peking Dreams is a melding of Chinese acrobatic art, circus, and Peking Opera, incorporating acrobatics, music, performance, mime, and dance. Performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it has been exciting audiences around the world ever since. “This is our first tour in the U. S., and our performers are happy because the audiences like our show,” says Deng, Baojin. “I don’t think there is a big difference between Chinese and American audiences. They all like the high-quality show with beautiful costumes and music.”

Peking Dreams features acts such as juggling, ring diving, bicycles and unicycles, adagio of four, and grand martial arts. It also contains some of the more traditional acts that involve balancing, aerial silk, solo trapeze, and rope tricks.

The event is sponsored by the Binghamton University Bookstore. Tickets may be purchased online at andersoncenter.com; by phone, mail, or fax; or at the Anderson Center Box Office. Box Office hours are M-F 12-5:30pm and for a limited time prior to weekend performances. Tickets are $45 general admission, $40 faculty, staff, seniors and alumni, $22 students and children. Further information may be found on the website or by calling (607) 777-2787.