Dance drama "Wing Chun," with its mesmerizing blend of martial arts and dance, has earned the admiration of British spectators through its unique style and cultural depth after its debut at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London on Aug. 30 local time.
The captivating performances have sparked a desire in many of the theatergoers to visit Shenzhen and experience the city firsthand.
British actor and stuntman Jack Jagodka, who attended the U.K. premiere, expressed his eagerness to visit Shenzhen. "I'd love to go to Shenzhen. 100%. I just want to know what is the best time to go. Hopefully next year I'll go," Jagodka told Shenzhen Daily.
Max Browning, a Schwarzman Scholar from the U.K. who also attended the premiere, spoke highly of Shenzhen.
"Shenzhen is such a dynamic city. I had the pleasure of visiting it once with a Scottish delegation," he said.
Browning mentioned his familiarity with Shenzhen's rapid growth and the presence of major companies like BYD, DJI, and Tencent in the city. He also said that the city is truly committed to cultural and artistic development, praising the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra's successful U.K. tour in March. "I hope they come and do another tour," he said.
Browning also encouraged people to experience Shenzhen's charm firsthand. "If you can go to Shenzhen, go to Shenzhen and experience the city for yourself!"
The enthusiasm was shared by London resident Morris Grant, who was so impressed by the Aug. 30 performance that he returned the next day to watch it again. "I want to see it again, so I'm here again today!" Grant said.
"Those martial arts movements are smooth and powerful, especially master Yip Man's Wing Chun movements. Every move is full of beauty," Grant said. His curiosity about Shenzhen was further ignited when he learned that the drama originated here.
"Before yesterday's performance began, I saw an audience member holding a picture book about Shenzhen. I really want to get a copy to understand this city. I hope to have the opportunity to visit Shenzhen in the future," Grant said.
Nabeela Zaman, an Oxford graduate who studied Chinese, attended the performance with friends Sunday afternoon local time. "I think the first half so far is really captivating," Zaman said during the intermission.
When asked about her desire to visit Shenzhen, Zaman responded without hesitation, "Of course, I must go!"
Zaman, who studied in China for a year through an exchange program and visited cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, has added Shenzhen to her list of places to explore in China because of "Wing Chun."