The Shaolin Show

[Drunk Monk]

Now, the question is (sorry DM) is it a good thing or bad thing for there to be a standard Shaolin Show?

You know, over the course of my writings I've discussed this a little, but I can't think of a single place to direct you to for the evolution of the Shaolin Show. It really all derives from the original 1500 anniversary tour, which I babbled about at length in my book. That original show, which was put on by a top-notch Austrian production team, set the standard and almost all the shows that followed are in their wake. There were shows that broke form, and I've discussed those too, like Shaolin in the Wind which incorporated ballet, and others that had more of a storyline, but for the most part, most Shaolin performances are knock-offs of the 1500 tour, and you know about Chinese knock-offs. This is particularly true for knock-off troupes (aka fake monks), and this sounds like exactly what you stumbled upon. Even the music, which was copyrighted by that original Austrian show, echos in today's demos now and again (so you should be pleased that yours had Xmas music instead - love that!) There has been a progression of evolutionary steps - the animal styles got more exotic: frog, scorpion, etc - frog hails back to that Jet Li film (everybody drink a shot!), and other elements were added over the years, like fighting broom, needle throwing, being balanced on 5 spear tips. If I were to sit down and review it all, I could probably chart when each element was introduced.

Keep in mind that Shaolin has been performing for tourists for some 400 years (documented). Today's standard 'Shaolin Show' is about 2 decades old. But you've moved beyond that now. You've entered the next chamber of Shaolin. Now you must seek the non-standard show, and by that I mean ones that don't have Xmas music.

I feel ya on that interview. Sounds like the old Chicom stonewall. Been there, done that. It's not so much being a weak interviewer as dealing with the Chicoms, which can be a beyotch when they are in full commie mode.