A martial arts extravaganza will be staged at Shanghai Majestic Theatre by the world-renowned Shaolin Kungfu monks, who have travelled from Songshan Shaolin Temple in Central China's Henan Province for the occasion.

The grand show, entitled "Shaolin Warriors", was highly acclaimed when it appeared in the "Meet in Beijing" Arts Festival both in 2000 and 2001, and when it toured North America in 2000 and 2002.

The live stage production has entertained over 180,000 people both in China and abroad.

The Shaolin Kungfu monks will not only demonstrate their skills in the use of 18 weapons, playing drunken boxing, but offered spectacles to the audience with Qi Gong, or breathing exercises like supporting the body with merely two fingers, breaking iron bars against the head, cutting cabbages upon the bare belly and thrusting body with five spears.

The show is a rolling blend of martial arts, team movement, gymnastics, stylized and ritualized actions and physical feats.

The production is more than a simple demonstration of martial qualities. It combines the dazzling Chinese Kungfu with graceful choreography, original traditional Chinese music, enchanting stage settings and brilliant lighting designs.

The monks performing in the show hope this production will better promote China's culture ad martial arts all over the world.

7:30pm, August 30-September 1, September 4-8

Majestic Theatre

( Shanghai Star August 12, 2002 )