Chasing the Monkey King

[myriam]

On April 5th, we invite you to experience echoes of ancient China. With over 5000 years of history, China is a land of myth and mystery, invention and innovation. Emerging from the mists of time is our guide, Monkey King, Immortal Trickster of China, Pan Ku, the creator God who smashed chaos to create the world, and Nu Wa, the serpent woman who gave life to a small piece of clay.

Follow Monkey and the Gods on a cultural sampling of China featuring Tai Chi and Kung Fu performances by master martial artists of Shaolin Temple, a calligraphy workshop, storytelling and crystal ball juggling by Chris Murdoch, a concert by Vian D, master of the Gu Zheng (Chinese harp) and a tea ceremony by tea expert Daniel Lui of the Chinese Tea Shop.

Date: April 5th, 2010
Time: There are 3 tours available. When purchasing tickets or reserving, please make sure you let us know whether you want the 7 pm, 8:15 pm or 9:30 pm show. There are a maximum of 30 people per show.

Where: 2495 Wall St.

Tickets: 18$ adult
13$ kids and members

Tickets are available on-line at http://www.inthehousefestival.com

Performers:

Chris Murdoch: Chris has been studying the performing arts for nearly fifteen years, and has toured across Australia and Canada. Chris’ performance is at times mystifying, powerful and inspiring. He weaves a spell of enchantment with a crystal ball contact juggling act, Polynesian fire dancing, and rhythm instruments from around the world.

Master Yuan (Shaolin Martial Arts Academy): Master Yuan Zhen Wu was born into a family with martial arts traditions. At 8
years old, Master Yuan studied directly under the Abbott Shi Dec Han and many other masters bestowing upon him a rare mastery and extensive combination of skills, including: 18 weapons, 72 martial art forms, and qi gong (like iron shirt and gold bell shield). Master Yuan is recognized as a Level-Nine National Martial Art Master, Top-Tier International Martial Art Coach, Top-Tier National Wushu Referee, and a lifelong Honorary Technical Advisor to the Chinese National Wushu Association. He has dedicated his career to pass on the authentic training methods of Shaolin Temple and has established Shaolin Martial Arts Academy in BC.

Effie Chang: Effie Chang performs traditional Shaolin Kung Fu with a high level of energy and skill though she is only 11 years old. Since the age of 6, she has been training directly under the guidance of Master Yuan Zhen Wu, the 32nd generation Warrior Monk from Shaolin Temple. Effie has won 5 gold medals competing in local tournaments including the annual West Coast Can-Am Championships and has participated in many Shaolin Kung Fu performances, most recently at the 2010 Olympic Surrey Celebration Site. Watch for this Kung Fu Kid in future commercial and film projects.

Vi An: Vi An is a self-taught and independent artist. Her instruments include various Asian long zither instruments including the Chinese 'zheng', Japanese 'koto' and Vietnamese 'dan tranh'. She has released 8 sold out albums since 1998, and is currently producing 3 totally new offerings for the world to enjoy. Vi An is highly passionate, professional and dedicated to this craft. She has a great love for collaborations and has worked with musicians and artists of all genres of music, dance, arts and theatre. Vi An has a unique improvisational style and describes herself as an intuitive improviser. Her music often has a symphonic feel, with a full, rich and dynamic sound, leaving audiences spellbound and feeling as though they are listening to an entire orchestra.

Daniel Lui: Daniel Lui moved to Vancouver from Hong Kong in 1997. He has studied Chinese tea intensively since he was a teenager. Over the years, as his knowledge and reputation grew, many people encouraged him to start his own authentic Chinese tea shop. In 2001 he started selling tea and in 2004 opened Arts de Chine in Vancouver's Chinatown. The name was changed in 2009 to The Chinese Tea Shop. Today, The Chinese Tea Shop is as much a gathering place for tea lovers as it is a place to find great tea. A patient listener and teacher, Daniel insists on the highest quality in everything from instruction to tea products.