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Warrior monks For an iron-willed Shaolin monk who can withstand the violent force of a steel bar crashing down on his skull or a broadsword splitting a head of cabbage over his abdomen, digesting a helping of dodgy Chinese takeout can be a fearsome proposition.
Disciples of China's Shaolin Temple
demonstrate their combat masteryBy Shawn "Speedy" Lopes
slopes@starbulletin.com"In America we find Chinese food everywhere," says an astounded Winston Wang, official interpreter from the China Performing Arts Agency, the company that brings "Shaolin Warriors" to Hawaii Theatre today through Sunday. "But it's Americanized. It's too sweet. You use too much sugar here."
Orange chicken aside, he says, the group's American tour has been thoroughly enjoyable, fruitful and eye-opening. The CPAA -- the largest agency of its kind in China -- has been working extensively with the 1,500 year-old Shaolin Temple in China's Henan province to create a spectacle they hope will entertain, enlighten and bridge cultures.
The Shaolin Warriors utilize more than 20 different weapons, including the ax, spear, sword, black tiger hammer, tiger hooks and hidden weapons like the dart, iron fan and flute in demonstrating their mastery of hand-to-hand combat.
In gathering valuable insight into the mysterious ways of the Shaolin, the tour's director, choreographer, music composer and lighting and costume designers actually lived alongside the Shaolin monks.
"We sent the whole production team to Shaolin Temple," explains Wang. "They spent two weeks there to live and eat with all the kung fu monks and see their (martial arts) demonstrations."
While Westerners usually dismiss much of what they see in martial arts movies as fantasy, many of the feats that will be seen in this stage show are astonishing. Through intense meditation, the monks are able to balance atop spears and withstand the crushing blow of a sledgehammer.
"I heard about this before," says Wang, who adds that the monks sometimes compare their skills and fighting styles with those of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Jet Li, whose videos are occasionally enjoyed at the temple. "But the first time I saw it in person, it was truly very amazing."
THE RIGOROUS selection process at Shaolin Temple dictates that monks be at least 18 years old and have substantial training in kung fu and Buddhist doctrine before being admitted.
"A grand master will talk to you and decide whether you have this kind of Buddhist destiny," Wang said. Of the 200 or so residents at Shaolin Temple, about 40 spend a good portion of their day -- usually between six to seven hours -- perfecting their hand-to-hand and weapon combat skills.
Twenty-two of the temple's 40 "kung fu monks" are currently on tour with "Shaolin Warriors." Many are young, in their late teens and early 20s, and have never set foot outside their native land, making the cultural impact of traveling to the United States all the more overwhelming.
"Wow, it's so beautiful" is usually their first expression, said Wang, who has traveled with the cast across North America. "Something that really surprised everyone was that America is so beautiful. There are many good pollution-free places to live with green grass and rivers. Also, we find a lot of Chinese products like textiles and souvenirs. Even today, when I do my laundry, I find that the iron was made in China!"
The entire experience, Wang believes, has exceeded the monks' expectations, and the tour, a near sellout, has been extremely well received.
"I can see they do enjoy performing because the audience is always very excited and (the monks) regard applause as recognition of their skills and of our special Chinese cultural heritage," Wang said. "They seem honored and happy to be a part of our show. It is also a chance for them to see the outside world."
That "outside world" includes our lovely shores, where "Shaolin Warriors" wraps up its U.S. tour this weekend.
"When I talk to friends, they say, 'Oh, you're going to Hawaii? That's next to paradise, next to heaven!' Even the monks know it's a beautiful place from what they've heard, so we all look forward to being there."
They may even like our Chinese food.
On stage: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tonight's performance is a benefit for the Palolo Chinese Home. The Shaolin Warriors
Place: Hawaii Theatre
Tickets: $18 to $43
Call: 528-0506
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