Supporting 实践剧场's 天门决: Mar-15

天門決 or Legend of the Southern Arch was a rather unusual production because it was about the pugilistic world and set in the olden days!! It was like watching a period drama, live.. The fighting scenes were very well coordinated and realistic enough, pretty much like what you see on TV -- impressive! There were even a couple of scenes where the main actor was suspended on wire as he fought and jumped high into the air -- 轻功!!

The backdrop, the props and the costumes and makeup were all very elaborate, very well done. The main cast acted and spoke very well, and there were also some who were very agile and almost acrobatic executing front flips, back flips and somersaults as the actors and actresses ran and fought across the stage!

The audience was shuttled back and forth from the present to the past, many times throughout. Initially we were juz brought back to 3 years ago, then 18 years ago, then 30+ years ago, and eventually even 59 years ago!! Fortunately that was not too confusing.

There was even a rather touching scene whereby the main actor was poisoned and almost died if not for the main actress who gave up her life to suck out the deadly poison from the main actor's arm. In the end, she died but he survived to take revenge for his clan. Seriously, the entire plot was so cliche, so predictable that it was quite unbelievable. There was no unexpected twist, no embedded humor.. but a perfect replica of period gongfu show of the early 80s. Honestly, I was very disappointed with the ending.. why did all but one have to die?

I jio Florence to watch this together as I have known her to enjoy local theatre. Fortunately she pretty much enjoyed this one too! We had dinner together before the show. Overall an evening well spent!! (^^)