Ensemble precision
Dozens of bodies move as one—then break formation in an eruption of combat and flight.
A legend in motion
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.
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.
On stage
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.
Dozens of bodies move as one—then break formation in an eruption of combat and flight.
02 / Qigong
Conditioning and concentration turn the human body into a feat of quiet astonishment.
The reimagined staging continues to evolve for new theatres, cities and generations.
04 / Weapons
Staff, spear and sword extend the body—and raise the stakes of every airborne exchange.
Meet the artists who place story and kungfu on the same stage.
01 / 05
From Henan to Broadway
A production in motion
Created by the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center with Eastern Shanghai International Culture Film & Television Group.
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.
A redesigned production refreshes the storytelling, scenic world, character styling, staging and light.
Eighteen performances introduce UK audiences to the show’s fusion of athletic virtuosity, humor and family drama.
Four performances open the International Arts Carnival at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Across generations
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.
Director & Choreographer
Composer
Writer & Director
Martial Arts Choreographer
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shaolin boxing, staff and spear work, swordplay, qigong, conditioning feats, acrobatics and large-scale ensemble combat are woven directly into the story.
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.
Soul of Shaolin has toured internationally rather than remaining at one resident venue. Future dates and ticketing depend on each local presenter.