Review | Dance drama Wing Chun has brilliant fight scenes, outstanding lead, confusing narrative

Ip Man is portrayed brilliantly by Chang Hongji in a high-energy martial arts and dance show that idealises the kung fu master’s life

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A scene from a special Hong Kong edition of the dance drama Wing Chun, performed by the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre. Photo: courtesy of LCSD

Published: 12:47pm, 25 Nov 2024Updated: 1:26pm, 25 Nov 2024

Created in 2022, dance drama Wing Chun has been a smash hit in China and overseas, with hundreds of performances in dozens of cities. Demand for tickets in Hong Kong was so high that extra dates had to be added and all performances were sold out.

It is easy to see what has made the production such a success.

It is a big, visually striking show, with some exciting martial arts sequences and an outstanding central performance from Chang Hongji as legendary kung fu master Ip Man, or Yip Man – the alternative spelling that the production opts for.

That said, other recent dance dramas from mainland China seen in Hong Kong – Mulan earlier this year, Tide of Era in 2023 – were stronger artistically and more coherent, while equally entertaining.

Han Zhen and Zhou Liya, jointly billed as “chief director and choreographer”, were also responsible for Mulan, and certain devices are reminiscent of that production.

These include clever use of a revolving stage and employing an object of emotional significance. Here the signboard saying “Wing Chun Academy”, which Ip carries everywhere, and the jacket his wife Cheung Wing-sing lovingly sews for him create touching moments.