the NATIONAL ACROBATS of the PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC

of CHINA

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21

7:30pm

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., the maker of Science Diet® and Prescription Diet® pet foods is proud to be the VIP sponsor of The National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China.

This season, Hill’s celebrates 13 years of sponsoring Lied Center events.

This event is sponsored, in part, by the Lied Performance Fund.

Audio description services and recorded program notes are provided through a partnership between the Lied Center and Audio-Reader Network.

Please turn off or silence cellular phones and other electronic devices during performances. Food and drink are not allowed inside the hall.

Cameras and recording devices are strictly prohibited in the auditorium.

DIRECT FROM BEIJING, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

MS. ZHANG HONG General Director

MRS. SUN LILI Artistic Director

NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Ms. Zhang Hong, General Director Mrs. Sun Lili, Artistic Director

Opening Ceremony.................................................................................................. All Performers

In the Moonlight ..................................................................................Zang Shibo and Han Ying(Ballet and hand-to-hand balancing)

This act features an acrobat dancing on the shoulders, arms, elbows and palms of another acrobat. This unique combination of both eastern and western art adds breathtaking features to classical ballet and a sense of elegance to acrobatic hand-to-hand balancing techniques.

The Swan Lake(Buffoonery)

Joyful Songs and Tunes ............................Li Jiasi, Wang Xue, Fan Mengdie and company(Plate spinning)

This incredible and beautiful act is truly one of the top plate spinning programs. During this performance, an acrobat festively sings, dances and presents a variety of nearly impossible feats while she spins ten plates. One of the plate spinning performances, “backward bending on head,” features an acrobat bending backwards and holding spinning plates while standing on another acrobat’s head. It is truly amazing and highlights marvelous accordion-like posture.

AWARD WINNER: The original edition of this act won the Golden Lion Award at the 4th China National Acrobatic Festival.

The Five Musical Elements .....................................................................................Zhao Hanlong(Hand juggling with balls)

Different from traditional juggling, this act features a juggler throwing the balls on the floor and catching them. The real amazing part comes when the juggler does this while climbing stairs. Juggling nine balls is also a highlight of this act, earning the juggler the title “King of Nine Balls.”

DIRECT FROM BEIJING, THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

THE NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S

REPUBLIC OF CHINA

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lied.ku.edu | LIVE PERFORMING ARTS

Tales of Chivalrousness ...................... Gao Xuefeng, Chen Lei, Tian Tianyu and company(Air jumping and catching)

During this performance, acrobats are thrown into the air and this makes them appear more like aerialists. It is artistic gymnastics in the air. You will be amazed by the marvelous movements and grandiose Chinese Kung Fu in this act.

Diabolos ..............................................................Yang Di, Yang Tianzi, Meng Si and company(Gorgeous girls)

This act features Huadan, the vivacious young woman character from the Peking Opera, performing a unique combination of acrobatic techniques with the diabolo, a Chinese version of the yo-yo. Acrobats dressed in splendid costumes perform difficult movements that fill the act with character and vitality. These include skipping and catching the diabolo and spinning on a table while tossing and catching.

AWARD WINNER: This act won the President Award at the 26th International Circus Festival of Tomorrow, France. It also received golden awards both at home and abroad.

INTERMISSION(20 Minutes)

Soaring.....................................................................................Wang Yang, Li Jiasi and company(Balancing on ladder)

In this act, a ladder stands vertically and glass pagodas roll in the air because of the acrobats’ skill and perfect balance. The three-person pyramid on the ladder is amazing and proves that nothing is impossible.

AWARD WINNER: This act won the Golden Award at the 2001 Spring of April International Arts Festival, North Korea.

Marching and Arraying ......................... Qiu Jiangming, Gong Yunpeng, Li Shuo and company(Tumbling through hoops)

This act, performed with enthusiasm, challenges gravity and features a hoop that is more than 10 feet tall. Passionately tumbling through hoops with speedy and dazzling somersaults, the acrobats astonish the audience with outstanding gymnastic movements.

AWARD WINNER: The original edition of this act won the Golden Award at the 1998 International Circus Festival of Warsaw, Poland.

Crystal of White Snow ...........................................................Di Hui, Yang Zihui and company(Contortionists with cups)

Acrobats complete unbelievable contortion poses while holding numerous glass pagodas and standing on a board balanced on the heads of other acrobats. This act demonstrates first class balancing and spectacular waist and leg contortion skills. One of the highlights is watching an acrobat stand on one foot while supporting two others with just her hands. It is amazing and is a technique worth seeing.

AWARD WINNER: The original edition of this act won the Crystal Award at the 12th International Circus Festival of Massy, France.

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NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Daring Chasing in the Sky .......................................Li Zhenyu, Zuo Chaofeng and Ge Wen(Swinging high crutches)

AWARD WINNER: This new acrobatic act just won the Silver Medal at the 2011 Paris Cirque de Demain Festival, France.

Buffoonery(Flying knife skills)

Wings of the Wind ...........................................Wang Yan, Wang Xue, Li Jiasi and company(Bicycle skills)

This act portrays a group of young and energetic city girls on bicycles. This act presents the most unique balancing skills on fast moving bicycles you have ever seen. The most spectacular part of this performance, “peacock spreading its tail,” features 24 people balancing on two bicycles.

AWARD WINNER: The original edition of this act won the Golden Lion Award at the 3rd China National Acrobatic Festival.

Drizzling Evenfall ...............................................................................Chen Lei and Li Shengjing(Umbrella juggling)

Some performers juggle umbrellas on a chair, but in this act you will see a performer juggling on the back of another acrobat. You will see umbrellas flying around with precision and the performance of “simultaneous juggling five umbrellas” will leave you speechless.

Grand Pagoda of Bowls .............. Wang Yang, Huang Shifeng, Tian Tianyu and company(Buckjumps and rhythm)

By combining traditional bowl-balancing skills with breathtaking throwing and catching techniques, this act gives you rhythm and silence. The Chinese characteristic is vividly presented during this performance. The spectacular movements such as “single hand balancing and rolling,” “hand throwing and catching continuously” and “throwing up to the fourth level” are not found anywhere else in the world.

AWARD WINNER: This act won the Golden Clown Award at the 28th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, which is recognized as the “Acrobatic Oscars.” It has also received other golden awards both at home and abroad.

Closing Ceremony

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lied.ku.edu | LIVE PERFORMING ARTS

From Beijing, China, The National Acrobats of The People’s Republic of China (China National Acrobatic Troupe) is the first national performing arts troupe established by the government of the People’s Republic of China. The company has performed extensively throughout the world, and its repertoire includes a myriad of international and national gold prize winning acts such as Slack Wire (Presidential Gold Award at the 24th Cirque de Demain Festival, Paris), Diabolo (Presidential Gold Award at the 26th Cirque de Demain Festival, Paris), Grand Pagoda of Bowls (Golden Clown Award at the 28th Monte Carlo International Circus Festival) and more. The company’s acts have received sensational reviews both at home and abroad for numbers such as China Soul, Reverie, Acrobatic Spectacular and Splendid.

The company owns a large institution for acrobatic schooling, training and repertoire in Beijing. The institution has over 150 acrobatic resident performers and over 500 acrobatic students of all ages. Funded by a special grant from the Beijing municipality, the company invests each year in new productions, acrobatic science research and the training facilities of the center. With its dedication to improving and renewing acrobatic standards, the institution has become one of the largest acrobatic and circus arts centers in the world.

The company has toured more than forty countries including Switzerland, Israel, Finland, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Sweden, Mexico, Russia, Portugal and Spain. This year the company is making its inaugural tour of the United States and Canada.

PROGRAM NOTES

NATIONAL ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Herbie Hancock

SUN, OCT 30 7:30pm

An Evening with David Sedaris

WED, NOV 9 7:30pm

THE LIED CENTER SPECIAL5:30pm to ½-hour after final curtain • 12 months through 12 years old$20 for your first child • $10 for each additional childOR enjoy a reduced hourly rateRegistration fee waived on performance nights! **Must register at least 2 days in advance.

PARENTS!

Has partnered with

536 Fireside Ct., Lawrence

To offer discounted, licensed childcare at Imagine for select Lied Series performances this fall!

While you enjoy the following Lied Series performances (and take yourselves out to dinner before!), your child can enjoy a fun, safe evening — including a FREE DINNER!

Space is limited, so pre-register your child now by calling 856-2133. More info and registration forms can be found at www.imaginechildcare.com.Purchase your Lied Center tickets at 785-864-2787 or lied.ku.edu

woo-hoo!

yummy!

yippee!

Are you looking for a night out while your child has safe, fun, affordable care?

2011-12 FRIENDS OF THE LIED UPDATE

An Evening with David Sedaris

WED, NOV 9 7:30pm

THE LIED CENTER SPECIAL5:30pm to ½-hour after final curtain • 12 months through 12 years old$20 for your first child • $10 for each additional childOR enjoy a reduced hourly rateRegistration fee waived on performance nights! **Must register at least 2 days in advance.

PARENTS!

536 Fireside Ct., Lawrence

To offer discounted, licensed childcare at Imagine for select Lied Series performances this fall!

While you enjoy the following Lied Series performances (and take yourselves out to dinner before!), your child can enjoy a fun, safe evening — including a FREE DINNER!

Space is limited, so pre-register your child now by calling 856-2133. More info and registration forms can be found at www.imaginechildcare.com.Purchase your Lied Center tickets at 785-864-2787 or lied.ku.edu

Are you looking for a night out while your child has safe, fun, affordable care?

BUSINESS FRIENDS

FELLOW ($2,500+)Bigg’s Barbecue

PATRON ($500+)The Janssen Clinic of Natural Medicine

INDIVIDUAL FRIENDS

BENEFACTOR ($1,000+)Venkata & Neeli BendapudiDon & Carol Hatton

PATRON ($500+)Karen & Dennis ChristillesTod & Sidney SuttonJan & Dale Willey

SPONSOR ($250+)John W. & Ferry EvansDavid & Diana IceLucy Price

CONTRIBUTOR ($100+)John & Eliza BullockGeorge & Gloria ByersJanice & Robert CobbRichard & Betty ColbertRobert FriaufWilliam Sharp & Sonya LancasterDr. Allan & Margi RossSharon Graham & Anthea ScouffasCharles SilvestriLori Norwood & Doug StullForrest & Donna Swall

FRIENDS ($50+)Eva S. AlleyCara Nossaman AndersonKaren HallMary JonesBruce LevineEarl & Dee Anne Waters

2011-12UPDATE

Friends of the LiedThis list includes individuals and businesses that have initiated or renewed their Friends of the Lied membership since the original list was published.

The Lied Center is grateful for gifts of all sizes. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

You can support the Lied, too!For more information or to join Friends of the Lied, contact the Lied Center Director of Development, Megan Poindexter, at 785-864-2788 or meganp@ku.edu or go to lied.ku.edu/donate.

A SALUTE TO OUR VIP SPONSORS

We proudly recognize our Very Important Partners. Not only do our VIP Sponsors offer essential financial contributions, they also provide valuable and enthusiastic promotion of Lied Center performances to their customers, employees and the community. Their commitment to the performing arts allows us to provide education activities, free school performances and high-quality events each year. We honor our VIP Sponsors throughout the season on our electronic sign and with onstage recognition at their selected performances. We hope you will also thank them when you visit their businesses. For more information regarding our sponsorship program, contact the Lied Center Director of Development, Megan Poindexter, at 785-864-2788.

Media sponsors provide important underwriting for Lied Center performances. Their contributions give invaluable support for advertising, promotions and marketing. For information on becoming a media sponsor, please call 785-864-3469.

Mnozil Brass

An Evening with David Sedaris

The Intergalactic Nemesis

VIP SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

A salute to our

A salute to our

Open House and

Community Arts Festival

The National Acrobats of China

The Intergalactic Nemesis & Chiara String Quartet

Herbie Hancock

AnDa Union &

The Chamber Ensemble of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra

& Jing Xing Dance Theatre

An Evening with David Sedaris

Suzanne Farrell Ballet

The Celtic Tenors

South Pacific

ELVIS LIVES

MAMMA MIA!

FARFALLE (Butterflies)

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