Electricians and stage builders at work at the MBJB Indoor Stadium yesterday halted their labour momentarily and stared with amazement when the Shaolin kung fu masters began their rehearsal. Everyone in the hall, except for the 30-strong Shaolin troupe from Henan, China, held their breath as one Shaolin master laid himself down on a “bed of swords.’’ With his back resting on razor sharp swords, his fellow Shaolin members placed a board filled with pointed nails on his chest and loaded another man on top of him.
Later, the Shaolin master emerged unhurt and continued to kick, punch and jump on stage throughout the three-hour rehearsal.
The stunt was called dao shan ding chuang (literally translated as “swords-and-nails-bed’’). According to troupe chief coach, Feng Genhuai, only those with at least five to six years of training in qi gong could perform the act.
Yesterday, the stage builders and lighting men were hard at work to put up a grand mock Shaolin building as the show’s backdrop to give the audience the best visual effect.
The Shaolin masters are all geared up for tonight’s performance at the stadium in Jalan Tebrau with Mentri Besar Johor Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman as the guest of honour.
The Shaolin masters will dish out a two-hour performance to show off their skills, using 18 types of weapons include swords, whips, poles, and double-wooden sticks made famous by kung fu legend Bruce Lee.
Tickets to the performance today between 8.30pm and 10.30pm and on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm will still be on sale at the entrance of the venue.
The troupe will move on to Penang (Jan 30) before proceeding to Ipoh (Feb 2) and conclude their tour in Kuala Lumpur (Feb 5 and 6).
For enquiries, call The Star offices in Johor Baru (07-331 5666), Penang (04-262 4361), Ipoh (05-253 9269) and Petaling Jaya (03-7967 1121, 03-7967 1241).
The tour is organised by The Star with the co-operation of Sin Chew Jit Poh, Nanyang Siang Pau, China Press, Kwong Wah Jit Poh, Utusan Malaysia and TV3.
