Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

SHENZHEN dance drama “Wing Chun” solidified its international appeal in Toronto on Saturday, local time, as fans from across Canada gathered for two high-energy meet-and-greet and autograph sessions that showcased the production’s cross-cultural reach.

The meet-and-greets drew a diverse crowd, ranging from enthusiastic martial arts practitioners to young families, all eager to connect with the performers who brought the legend of the well-known kung fu master Ip Man to life.

“It makes you really think about what’s happening because there are no words. It’s just all the action,” said Joe da Silva, an attendee who watched the show Saturday evening.

“You could even see the sweat coming off the head of the main actor. It was truly a masterpiece,” said Juan Carlos Morales, another attendee.

The production has garnered critical acclaim for its “wordless” format, a creative choice that eliminates language barriers. For many, the emotional climax of the show remained a primary topic of discussion during the autograph session.

“When his friend died, saving him, and then he performed solo dancing, in pain and agony... it was very [moving],” Morales shared.

The session also highlighted how “Wing Chun” serves as a cultural bridge, tapping into the global legacy of martial arts cinema. Fans shared stories of how the choreography evoked memories of icons like Bruce Lee and Michelle Yeoh.

Asad Hussain, a martial arts practitioner, noted that while he was originally drawn to the show by Lee’s legacy, he left moved by the universal human struggle depicted on stage.

“Growing up watching Bruce Lee, who was a a huge inspiration for me, I decided to take up martial arts,” Hussain said. “The story of Ip Man is one with a lot of pain and emotions, and he went through a lot of hardship. But he always stayed on top, and I think that’s something we can all learn from.”

The appeal spanned generations, exemplified by an 8-year-old girl who attended with her family.

“The performance was great. It made you want to start kicking and punching,” said Malika Khouya, who practices karate.

The show also planted a seed in Khouya’s heart. “I actually like kung fu more than karate because it’s very interesting and fun,” she said. “Tonight, it was very inspiring. Maybe I should try it.”