The final evaluation of the Sichuan Nanchong Magic "Encounter" Wenhua Award shines brightly, and the integration of tradition and innovation wins applause

On the evening of October 13th, the Nanchong Grand Theater was brightly lit, and the 14th China Arts Festival Nanchong Branch and the 18th Wenhua Award for Acrobatics, Magic, and Music Singles were held here as scheduled. As an important part of this year's art festival, the magic program "Encounter" brought by Nanchong Acrobatic Troupe made a stunning appearance in the final evaluation of the 18th Wenhua Award, conquering the audience with exquisite skills and beautiful artistic expression, adding a strong touch to this national art event.

The performance that evening focused on the final evaluation program of the Wenhua Award, bringing together outstanding works from all over the country. The "Encounter" created by Nanchong Acrobatic Troupe was the only magic program in the entire evening party, and also the "fist work" of Nanchong local art troupe to compete for national awards. The program revolves around the encounter and acquaintance of young men and women, telling a regretful yet extremely romantic love story in just 8 minutes. On the stage, a woman dressed in a velvet cheongsam and a gentleman in an elegant tailcoat suit appeared one after another. Accompanied by gentle music and changing lights, the flower umbrellas and folding fans in the actors' hands seemed to be given life, emerging from nothing and creating a dreamlike visual spectacle in the opening and closing rotation.

Zhao Zhimin, the head of the Nanchong Acrobatic Troupe, introduced backstage that "Encounter" is an upgraded work based on the exquisite stage magic "Flying Flower Order · Umbrella", directed by magic master Zeng Hui and rearranged by famous director Li Xining, incorporating the blend of Chinese and Western cultures of the Republic of China. He revealed that the program has performed nearly a hundred times since its premiere in 2024, and has won many honors such as the China Acrobatics Golden Chrysanthemum Award and the Gold Award in the 12th Shanghai International Magic Festival Newcomer Competition. This participation in the final evaluation of the Wenhua Award is another important test of the artistic value of the program.

After the performance, the lead actor Li Yangran sighed and said, "Being able to participate in the Wenhua Award competition on the stage in my hometown is not only an honor but also a responsibility. For this performance, all the actors repeatedly polished their skills, techniques, and body movements, striving to achieve perfection in every detail." Another main actor Li Sisi added, "The essence of magic art is to achieve the fusion of skills and emotions through repeated practice, ultimately presenting a fantastic effect that is difficult to distinguish between reality and virtuality

As the first magic program in the history of Sichuan Province to win the Golden Chrysanthemum Award, "Encounter" not only achieved a breakthrough in skills - the collective umbrella changing performance form is also rare nationwide, but also broke the limitations of traditional magic in narrative, cleverly combining the techniques of "umbrella changing" and "fan changing" with the theme of love, forming a unique artistic style.

In the performance that evening, "Encounter" competed with many other programs from Hainan, Hubei, Hebei and other places, showcasing the high degree and diversity of contemporary Chinese art. From the folk music ensemble "Bamboo and Wood Bringing Auspiciousness" by the Hainan Provincial Ethnic Song and Dance Troupe, to "Sail and Chase Dreams, Wave Boat" by the Wuhan Acrobatics Troupe, from "Watchman" by the Xinjiang Academy of Arts to "Faraway" by Ulan Muqi in Inner Mongolia, each work has won the recognition of the audience with distinct themes and exquisite skills. However, "Encounter" became one of the most eye-catching focuses of the entire performance with its unique Republican style and innovative interpretation of "magic+dance".

I particularly like the subtle and profound emotional expression in 'Encounter', "said Ms. Chen Huirong, an audience member after the performance." It's not like some magic tricks that only pursue visual stimulation, but rather allows you to appreciate the techniques while feeling the joys, sorrows, and sorrows in the story

The relevant person in charge of Nanchong Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Film and Tourism stated that the magic show "Encounter" is an original masterpiece created by Nanchong Literature and Art Academy in recent years. Its innovative artistic expression and multiple award-winning experiences make it an important manifestation of Nanchong's cultural soft power. This time, it was nominated for the final evaluation of the Wenhua Award and received widespread praise, which will further promote local literary and artistic creation to the national stage.

As the performance came to a successful conclusion, the applause in the theater lasted for a long time. Many viewers were walking and discussing the program just now. Some lamented that "this is the true artistic innovation", while others looked forward to "seeing such Nanchong characteristic programs on more stages in the future". In this encounter between art and emotion, people not only see the beauty of magic techniques, but also the vivid continuation of traditional culture in the modern context. As an audience member once said, "Good art can transcend form and strike the soul - tonight's' Encounter 'is precisely such a work." (Tang Min, Yi Qinghai)