"Performers should get on and off the stage quickly and maintain the correct formation," came the call behind the curtain. "Choreographer, the train should be slower when running through the building." 

After 9 a.m., the theater and rehearsal room of Chongqing International Circus City were busy. The actors were full of energy and devoted themselves to the rehearsals. According to Chen Tao, head of Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe, the cast rehearses the large-scale cultural and tourism performance Top of the World Show Version 2.0. The upgraded show will be unveiled with a new look at Chongqing International Circus City in the Mountain City on April 29.

Stage of the Top of the World Show Version 2.0. (Photo/Chongqing International Circus City)

An upgrade completed after four years of effort

As the first regular cultural and tourism performance in the central urban area of Chongqing, Top of the World perfectly integrates amazing acrobatics and the joyous circus, creating a cultural brand characterized by extraordinary skills and intense attraction. Since its launch in 2019, more than 1,000 performances have been staged, receiving nearly one million visits and unanimously praised by residents and tourists. "Over the past four years, we have built up a head of steam after overcoming various challenges and have become better for the future," said Chen Tao, "To further expand and strengthen Chongqing's cultural and tourism brands and to provide more wonderful acrobatic performances for the audience, we strive to create Top of the World Show Version 2.0". According to the relevant introduction, the upgraded show overturns the original expression form and has a better multimedia presentation, stage machinery, performance lineup, etc. It will offer the audience a new audio-visual experience of brand-new stories on a new stage.

A magical show traveling through time and space

According to Chen Tao, the upcoming show provides a cyberpunk-style experience, which aligns with the audience's current taste and the development trend of the performance market. It tells magic stories of traveling from ancient times to the future. The upgraded show will break traditional acrobatic performances' structure and highlight the stories' narrative. In the context of "culture-tourism integration," the show uses elements with Chongqing's local characteristics, such as mountains, waters, bridges, and fog, allowing the audience to enjoy an immersive experience. Based on surreal aesthetics, the performance creatively integrates gauze screen projection, 3D holographic projection, and other new elements to create a beautiful, romantic, magnificent, and futuristic stage. It aims to present the distinctive charm of Chongqing, well-known as an "8D magic city", and brings the audience a breathtaking audio-visual experience.

Light rail station built on stage

The Top of the World Show Version 2.0 not only redesigned and remade the sound, lighting, electricity, costumes, makeup, and props but also incorporated famous scenic spots, landmark buildings, and night scenery of Chongqing, including the through-building light rail station, Yangtze River Cableway, and Chaotianmen Bridge, into the performance. The audience can then understand the history of Chongqing by watching and listening. The Top of the World Show Version 2.0 tries to help tourists "visit a city by enjoying a show." According to Chen Tao, head of the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe, these Chongqing elements are not just set on the stage — they will be used in the performance. For example, actors and actresses will perform a series of complex acrobatic skills on the "Chaotianmen Bridge," and a "light rail train" will run over the theater and auditorium.

Rehearsal of the Top of the World Show Version 2.0. (Photo/Chongqing International Circus City)

Competent group for high-quality circus performance

Starting from the adaptation and planning, the Top of the World Show Version 2.0 has extensively collected opinions and suggestions from professionals inside and outside the industry and peers and invited an experienced editing team for elaborate production. Their hard work provided professional and solid support to the show, ensuring its high quality. Over 150 cast members will present their skills together. The show comprises several Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe programs, which won gold medals at international and domestic competitions in recent years. Actors and actresses will perform aerial straps, bicycle skills, death rounds, trampolines, and other complex, excellent skills, presenting the audience with an exciting, thrilling, and unprecedented extreme artistic experience.

The Top of the World Show Version 2.0 is under joint rehearsal and is planned to be staged in Chongqing International Circus City during this May Day holiday.