The Shanghai Acrobats Are Back!

by | Oct 31, 2016

Photo courtesy of the UMass Fine Arts Center
Photo courtesy of the UMass Fine Arts Center
Photo courtesy of the UMass Fine Arts Center
Photo courtesy of the UMass Fine Arts Center
Photo courtesy of the UMass Fine Arts Center
Photo courtesy of the UMass Fine Arts Center

Shanghai Nights

The Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China don’t just have a long name — they’re one of the longest-running and most distinguished troupes in the world. Get out to see them, and you’ll understand why. Circus groups around the world bring overwhelming muscle and stamina to the stage, and most bring colorful costumes, great music, and a sense of humor as well. But few can blend those elements into something as mystical and inspiring as the Shanghai Acrobats’ performances.

The troupe’s new all-ages show Shanghai Nights pairs traditional and modern music with beautiful acrobatic feats, which in the past have featured strange and singular ideas like Icarian umbrellas, head-jumping monks, Shadow of Cards magic, butterfly lovers on aerial silks, and more.

Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. $10-$40. All ages. Fine Arts Center Concert Hall, UMass Amherst. (413) 545-2511, fac.umass.edu.

— Hunter Styles,  hstyles@valleyadvocate.com