HK Cultural Centre Grand Theatre
Tomorrow and Sat, 7.30pm (also Sat and July 5, 3pm; July 5, 11am)
Braced by handstand grips in a human tower, warriors twirl spears on extended feet, young girls in colourful costumes pedal teetering unicycles and flip silver bowls off pointed toes to stacks on their heads, while an archer leaps into the air and draws his bow. The story of the legendary Mongol conqueror takes flight in Genghis Khan (above), an Inner Mongolia Acrobatic Troupe of China production that opens this year's International Arts Carnival tomorrow.
Set to Mongolian music, the three-act acrobatic feast features high-flying stunts and death-defying feats of balance and juggling routines such as lamp-rolling and bowl-kicking and also includes traditional Mongolian archery, horse-racing and wrestling contests.
Established in 1960, the Inner Mongolia Acrobatic Troupe of China comprises 100 performers representing Mongolian, Han, Hui, Oroqen, Ewenki, and Daur ethnic groups. It has toured more than 30 countries, garnering over 40 prizes.
Tomorrow's performance kicks off the month-long festival featuring artists including The King of Bubbles, from Spain, and South Korea's leading hip hop troupe Gorilla Crew in B-Boyz & Ballerina. There are programmes for all ages including puppet shows, magic acts and a film festival. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the International Arts Carnival is a six-week festival of cultural events aimed at children three years and older. It has recently expanded to include programmes specifically for teenagers.