A wave of dramas blending stunning, thrilling and extraordinary acrobatic skills with cutting-edge technology in stage design and cleverly crafted plots have amazed the audience, breathing new life into the ancient art form.
The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) recently released the list of awardees for stellar artworks which have played a role in promoting the country's cultural and ethical development, with acrobatic dramas the Snow of Tianshan Mountain and the First Sound making the cut for their outstanding theatrical works. The Snow of Tianshan Mountain, produced by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, tells the story of three generations from Shanghai and northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region working together in contribution to the construction of Xinjiang over time. With 21 difficult acrobatic acts combining with drama, dance and other art forms, the performance weaves a narrative that spans over 70 years of aid efforts in Xinjiang.
Meanwhile, the First Sound centers around the historical experiences of an ordinary family in Shenyang City in northeast China during the time of the September 18 Incident in 1931, which has been defined as the start of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945. The show incorporates more than 30 acrobatic and magic performances, including lion dance, stilts and motorbike stunts, enhanced with multimedia technology and cinematic techniques to portray the brave resistance of the people in northeast China against Japanese aggression.
"The show integrates elements of spy dramas, detective stories and suspense, blending them with acrobatics and development of the storyline," said Song Guanlin, former vice president of the National Peking Opera Company and vice president of the China Culture Administration Association. Over the past two decades, more than 300 acrobatic dramas with diverse themes and styles have been staged, using acrobatics as a medium to tell stories, shape characters and express emotions. The incorporation of modern technologies like 3D projection, holographic imaging and ice screens has made the performances more engaging, entertaining and visually captivating. "Acrobatics have a history of over 3,000 years. We should preserve the charm of them. Meanwhile, we need to learn from other art forms in the innovation of acrobatics," said Wu Zhengdan, vice president of the China Acrobats Association.
Modern drama innovation breathes new life into Chinese acrobatics
The European Union（EU）and France have reaffirmed their support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland as concerns are growing over security in the Arctic following the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the strategically important island.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "Greenland belongs to its people, so it's up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters that are concerning Denmark and Greenland."
Noting that the EU is in contact with the Danish government, Von der Leyen stressed that security in the Arctic region is a key issue of concern to the EU.
Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament's political group leaders issued a statement, condemning the remarks made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland and terming them as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark.
They urged the EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland, and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone.
"External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said.
In a related development, a group of 23 lawmakers sent a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday, emphasizing that if the United States continues to threaten Denmark's autonomous territory, the European Parliament should suspend debates and votes on trade agreements with the United States.
Currently, the European Parliament is deliberating on removing most U.S. import tariffs and maintaining zero-tariff policies on U.S. lobster, with a vote scheduled for January 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, citing President Emmanuel Macron, warned on Wednesday that any infringement on Danish sovereignty over Greenland would trigger "unprecedented" consequences.
"If the sovereignty of a European ally were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented," said Bregeon.
"we are closely monitoring the situation and will stand firmly with Denmark to defend its sovereignty," the spokeswoman said.
On the same day, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the need for serious consideration of recent U.S. signals concerning Greenland.
Lecornu reaffirmed France's "full solidarity with Denmark and the legitimate authorities of Greenland," adding that safeguarding the sovereignty of other countries is an important foundation for safeguarding one's own sovereignty.
Furthermore, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, calling the move a "political signal" over the strategic Danish territory.
The foreign minister said that the U.S. plan of buying Greenland is "absurd" and that this "blackmail" should stop.
He reiterated that France and Europe will continue to support Denmark.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force.
EU, France reaffirm support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland
