Being a hopeless romantic, I love all things romance, especially novelisation of a romantic story. When I was a teenager, I spent much of my time reading romance fiction, much to my parents’ chagrin. I had my head in the clouds with Mills&Boon and Harlequin Roamnce, but heading to adulthood, my taste in reading somewhat changed and broaden into military and action category where the stories tends to be more on the complicated and intriguing if not darker side. The actions weaved in the stories intrigue me.

I have plenty of favourite authors whose masterpieces now lays on my bookshelf but among the well known and respectable one that tops my list is Jin Yong a.k.a Louis Cha. Jin Yong is a Chinese writer who authored a series of WuXia fiction. Jin Yong’s novels are written in Chinese, a language that I am illiterate in but his work are legendary enough that plenty of translators in the book industry translated his novels into English, making it readable for those who cannot read his books in their original language. Among the notable work that I love is the Condor Trilogy; The Arching Heroes (射鵰英雄傳), The Return Of Condor Heroes (神雕侠侣) and The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (倚天屠龍記).

WuXia which literally means “martial heroes”, is a genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China. Although WuXia is traditionally a form of literature, its popularity has caused it to spread to diverse art forms such as Chinese opera, manhua, films, television series and video games. It forms part of popular culture in many Chinese-speaking communities around the world.

I have always thought that I will only be able to enjoy the Chinese martial art story strictly via novels and TV series, but Fate has other thing on her mind and I was given a chance to witness martial art drama live, on stage through ‘Soul of Shaolin’ theatrical show.

Among the oldest institutionalised styles of Chinese martial arts, Shaolin kung fu is second to none in terms of beauty and artistry. And kung fu enthusiasts would be delighted to know that this magnificent martial art form will be on full display at Resorts World Genting.

Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story takes centre stage from 28 May to 26 June 2017. This critically acclaimed show earned a nomination at the 63rd Tony Awards in 2009, and has held more than 500 performances worldwide in such countries as the US, Australia, Italy, Norway, India, Korea, Turkey, Macau, Hong Kong, and Turkey. When it opened at Marquis Theater on Broadway in January 2009, all its seven performances were sold out and Jan 15 was promptly proclaimed China on Broadway Day by New York City.

Here’s sharing with you all about it.

Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story is a stirring portrait of the life of a Shaolin monk.

The tale begins with a woman who is forced to abandon her son when she finds herself pursued by a group of bandits.

The woman hides her child among tall grass before jumping off a cliff in her effort to evade capture.

The child is later found by Na Luo, a Shaolin kung fu monk, who also picks up a piece of broken jade he finds near the former.

Na Luo and the child

Na Luo taking care of the child

Years go by, and the child, named Hui Guang, grows strong and healthy raised and taught by Na Luo and also Miao Xing, the abbot of Shaolin Temple.

Hui Guang while growing up

A scene during Hui Guang’s growing up years

Hui Guang, all grown up.

An interesting act in Soul of Shaolin

Playful little monks in action

Heart-stopping scene being performed

Hui Guang’s past is not hidden from him; the truth is revealed to him, along with the piece of jade.

Depressed upon learning about his tragic past, Hui Guang gets drunk and ends up provoking other monks.

Mother and son’s longing for each other being portrayed.

Hui Guang, wallowing in his emotions by drinking and getting drunk.

He is then punished by Miao Xing who places him in a cave known as Bodhidharma.

As it turns out, Hui Guang learns about being a paragon of virtue that it is the real soul of Shaolin.

The story continues with him later crossing paths with his mother. Still out looking for her son, she once again finds herself in trouble when she runs into some ruffians. Hui Guang and Na Luo come to her aid, and while fighting off the hoodlums, the former loses his piece of broken jade. When his mother comes upon it later, she searches for him at his temple.

Mother and son are reunited and both wish to leave the temple to begin life anew. Unfortunately, temple rules dictate that a monk that wishes to leave, must fight his way out.

Now, I won’t spoil your experience watching this Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story by telling you what happened next, but I promise you that these are real Shaolin Kungfu we’re talking about. During the show you will get to see real Shaolin monks performing REAL Shaolin kungfu moves with no fillers or eye tricks.

It is not only action packed but filled with emotional scenes and moral values as well. Beautifully artistic and filled with emotions, Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story will keep you on the edge of your seat and is highly recommended and a must watch for all martial art lovers and enthusiasts. It draws you into the world that you could have never imagine exists and will leave you breathless.

Soul of Shaolin: Hui Guang’s Story will be held at Genting International Showroom at 9pm or 4pm*, from 28 May to 26 June 2017. There will be two shows at 4pm and 9pm on 24 June. A total of 22 shows are scheduled, with each screening lasting 90 minutes (with 10 minutes intermission).

Tickets for Soul of Shaolin: The Story of Hui Guang are priced at RM156 (VIP), RM126 (PS1), RM96 (PS2). GRC (Genting Rewards Card) members enjoy a 10% discount.

For more information, call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com