SOCORRO, N.M. – Prepare to be amazed with the performance by an elite corps of acrobats from China, when Cirque Mei hits the stage at the Macey Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, in a Performing Arts Series event.

From People’s Republic of China, Hebei Province, Cirque Mei will feature traditional and contemporary Chinese circus acts in a colorful and lively celebration of the internationally renowned Chinese circus arts. This is the first-ever performance in Socorro of this troupe. If you have seen Chinese acrobats at Macey Center in the past, it was not this company!

This remarkable company features 40 leading circus artists and acrobats from the Hebei Province who execute many of the most popular Chinese circus routines including hoops diving, lion dance, ensemble bicycle skills, foot juggling with umbrellas, female contortion and a ladder balancing act.

“Their dazzling display of artistic and acrobatic skills will delight audience members of all ages,” said PAS Director Ronna Kalish. “This performance is designed for family entertainment, so bring the kids and grandparents.”

The troupe was founded in 1976 and supports a community of over 130 circus performers who tour throughout China and the world.

Hebei is a coastal province in Northern China. Its capital and largest city is Shijiazhuang. The name Hebei literally means “north of the river,” referring to its location entirely to the north of the Yellow River.

Chinese performing arts have a long history, dating back to the Qin dynasty (221-207 BC) or possibly earlier. During the Qin and Han periods, it was the common people who embraced variety shows, including acrobatics, wrestling, musical performances, dance, martial arts, horsemanship and juggling.

The performances became more elaborate during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the performers came off the street and started performing on stage.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the art forms have gained new respectability. Troupes have been established in the provinces, autonomous regions, and special municipals with theaters specifically dedicated to the variety arts. Some troupes have become world famous, playing to packed houses at home and on foreign tours.

This ancient history brings us to 2019 and the touring troupe of acrobats known as Cirque Mei.

“We are also fortunate to bring this incredible show to town at ticket prices a fraction of the cost of what the exact-same performance commands in big cities,” Kalish said.  “Tickets in some California venues, where Cirque Mei performs prior to coming to Socorro, sell for upwards of $40 to $50

“Clearly, PAS could not bring these kinds of quality performances to N.M. Tech and the local community without the support of our loyal sponsors and other contributors,” she said.

Sponsors for Cirque Mei are First State Bank, EMRTC, the NMT Graduate Student Association and Student Government Association and State Farm Insurance (Damien Ocampo).

Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for youth 17 and under. New Mexico Tech students will be admitted free with their student ID at the door, or can pick up one ticket each at the New Mexico Tech Bookstore.

Tickets also can be purchased online at nmtpas.org, or at the following locations: New Mexico Tech Cashier (Fidel Center), Sofia’s Kitchen, John Brooks or the PAS office (call 835-5688 for directions).

— NMT —