Martial Arts Theatre

A child. A temple. A destiny.

Enter the story
01The story

A legend in motion

A story forged in discipline.
Tested by love.

During civil conflict, an infant is separated from his mother and carried to safety at Shaolin Temple. Raised by the monk Na Luo and named Hui Guang, he grows from boy to warrior—until a piece of jade reveals the life he lost.

Three performers embody Hui Guang across childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Boxing, weapons, qigong, acrobatics and ensemble combat become a language beyond words: the story of a son choosing between two families, and the courage required to let him go.

A Soul of Shaolin performer in a flowing blue costume suspended in motion
Grace The long-sleeve technique transforms martial control into flight.
Young Hui Guang training with his master on stage
Lineage Hui Guang is shaped by the patience and rigor of his master, Na Luo.

Rooted in Shaolin tradition and told largely without dialogue, the production travels effortlessly across languages. Its emotional center is intimate; its physical scale is immense.

Where theatre meets mastery

“Every strike carries a story. Every stillness holds a choice.”

Precision becomes poetry as world-class martial artists turn years of discipline into one breathtaking night.

02The experience

On stage

Power, poetry
and the impossible

From a single breath to a stage filled with airborne bodies, Soul of Shaolin moves between intimacy and spectacle without losing the human story at its heart.

From Henan to Broadway

A Chinese story
on the world stage

2003Original production created
2009Broadway premiere
TonyBest Special Theatrical Event nominee
Drama DeskUnique Theatrical Experience nominee
03Official trailer
04The journey

A production in motion

One soul.
Many stages.

Born in Henan

Created by the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center with Eastern Shanghai International Culture Film & Television Group.

Broadway, New York

The first production from the People’s Republic of China to appear on Broadway opens at the Marquis Theatre for three previews and 21 regular performances.

Reimagined

A redesigned production refreshes the storytelling, scenic world, character styling, staging and light.

London premiere

Eighteen performances introduce UK audiences to the show’s fusion of athletic virtuosity, humor and family drama.

Hong Kong return

Four performances open the International Arts Carnival at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

05Creative legacy

Across generations

A living work,
never frozen in time

Soul of Shaolin is a production family: reshaped by new casts and creative teams while preserving Hui Guang’s journey and the discipline at its core.

Original production

Liu Tongbiao

Director & Choreographer

Original production

Zhou Chenglong

Composer

Later touring production

Xue Weijun

Writer & Director

Later touring production

Wang Zhanyang

Martial Arts Choreographer

The Soul of Shaolin company in Times Square on Broadway opening night
Broadway opening night, New York City · January 15, 2009
06Before the curtain rises

Frequently asked questions

Everything you
need to know

Typical runtime1 hr 40 minIncluding interval in the 2025 Hong Kong presentation
Recommended age4+Guidance may vary by venue
What is Soul of Shaolin about?+

The story follows Hui Guang, separated from his mother as an infant and raised at Shaolin Temple by the monk Na Luo. When mother and son are reunited, Hui Guang must face a series of martial tests—and choose how to honor both of his families.

Is the show performed in English?+

The production is largely non-verbal. Martial arts, acrobatics, mime, music and visual storytelling carry the drama, making it accessible to audiences across languages. Some presentations may use narration or projected captions.

Is it appropriate for children?+

The Hong Kong 2025 presentation recommended ages four and above. The show includes theatrical combat, weapons demonstrations, haze and loud music; venue-specific guidance should always take priority.

Are the performers Shaolin monks?+

The production has been billed with the Shaolin Temple Wushu Martial Artists and performers selected from the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center. “Shaolin monks” is often used informally, but not every performer should be assumed to be an ordained Buddhist monk.

What martial arts appear in the production?+

Shaolin boxing, staff and spear work, swordplay, qigong, conditioning feats, acrobatics and large-scale ensemble combat are woven directly into the story.

Did the production win a Tony Award?+

It was nominated in 2009 for the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event and for the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. These were nominations, not wins.

Where can I see the show?+

Soul of Shaolin has toured internationally rather than remaining at one resident venue. Future dates and ticketing depend on each local presenter.