#THEATRE: WING CHUN DANCE DRAMA AT TORONTO’S MERIDIAN HALL

Before Bruce Lee, there was Ip Man. Wing Chun Dance Drama, the critically lauded show, brings to the stage the life of this prestigious grandmaster, recounting his influence on the martial art form of Wing Chun, from its more than 300-year-old origins in Southern China, to global popularity, and his famous student Bruce Lee.

TO Live, ADEM Company Inc., and Canada China Cultural Development Association proudly present the North American premiere of Wing Chun Dance Drama, the multi award-winning show that has sparked a phenomenon in China, for a limited run from December 16, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at Meridian Hall.

Created in 2022 by the acclaimed Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre, Wing Chun Dance Drama is produced by the International Cultural Exchange Association Shenzhen and China Culture, Tourism, Sports, Radio & Television Bureau of Shenzhen China.

A pulse-pounding blend of acrobatic dance, precision martial arts, and cinematic staging with breathtaking visuals, this acclaimed production with a unique Eastern aesthetic, seamlessly integrates Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Bajiquan, and Praying Mantis Boxing. It has been hailed by critics worldwide for its brilliant fight scenes, outstanding cast and intricate design elements.

“TO Live is thrilled to present Wing Chun Dance Drama this holiday season as part of our year-round dance series. It’s a spectacular production that families can enjoy together—full of beauty, incredible energy, with masterful storytelling and choreography,” said Clyde Wagner, president and CEO of TO Live. “When I first experienced Wing Chun Dance Dramain China, I was amazed by its artistry and the way it blends martial arts and dance into something truly unforgettable. Bringing acclaimed international works like this to Toronto is central to TO Live’s mission, and we look forward to sharing even more extraordinary productions with audiences in 2026.”

Wing Chun Dance Drama features two gripping, inter-woven tales about the relentless pursuit of dreams: the first, set in 1950s Hong Kong, traces the journey of Ip Man, the legendary grandmaster of martial art Wing Chun, and mentor to Bruce Lee. It chronicles his struggles and triumphs as he champions Chinese martial arts and the philosophy that true strength lies in stopping fights, not starting them. The second narrative follows Dachun, a lighting technician with a 1990s film crew, as they work to capture Ip Man’s story, preserving his indomitable spirit for generations to come.

The story features Chang Hongji, principal dancer of the Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre and Gold Medal Winner at the 2024 Seoul International Dance Competition, as Ip Man. Acclaimed choreographers Han Zhen and Zhou Liyahave had their dance dramas staged at renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the UN Headquarters and the Kennedy Center.

Wing Chun Dance Drama will take place at Meridian Hall, 1 Front Street East in Toronto from December 16, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Tickets range from $55.50-$159.50 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now via tolive.com, by phone at 416-366-7723 and 1-800-708-6754, and in person at the Meridian Hall and Meridian Arts Centre box offices.

Wing Chun Dance Drama is recommended for audiences eight years old and above. Run time is 132 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

For more information, please visit www.wingchundancedrama.com and follow the production on social: Facebook (@WingChunDanceDrama, @TOLive, @ADEMCompanyInc); Instagram (@WingChunDanceDrama, @TOLiveGram, @ADEMCompanyInc); Threads (@TOLiveGram); X (@TOLiveTweets); and TikTok (@TOLiveTok).

About TO Live

TO Live is one of Canada’s largest multi-arts organizations, operating three iconic venues: Meridian Hall, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and Meridian Arts Centre. In addition, TO Live presents a full range of performing arts, theatrical, and concert events at these venues in both downtown and uptown Toronto. With these two hubs of creativity and content creation, TO Live has a unique place and perspective to activate creative spaces by inspiring local and international artists, connecting audiences, stimulating new ideas, and elevating artistic potential, becoming a catalyst for creative expression that is reflective of Toronto’s diversity.

About Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre

The Shenzhen Opera and Dance Theatre was established in 2018. It includes an opera troupe, a dance troupe, and a choir, with a total of 140 members. The theatre is primarily focused on creating and performing operas and dance dramas, along with providing public cultural services and fostering cultural exchange. Aiming to blend Chinese style with contemporary trends and an international perspective, the theatre seeks to become a respected art institution in China. It produces both classical and modern works, telling Chinese stories while preserving traditional culture. Since its founding, the theatre has created several original works, including the opera Daughter of the Earth, The Pioneer, the contemporary dance drama Dream Chaser, and the dance drama Wing Chun. The theatre has also participated in significant events, such as the Shenzhen segment of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.

About ADEM Company Inc.

Founded in 2013, ADEM began as a North American pioneer in event planning, media promotion, and brand marketing for cultural performances. Over the past decade, the company has grown into a globally focused entertainment powerhouse, specializing in cross-border productions and audience engagement. In 2020, ADEM expanded into Asia, establishing regional headquarters in China and Singapore to strengthen cultural exchange and internal collaboration. Today, the network spans key markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea, supported by long-term partnerships with local promoters, media organizations, and government agencies. For more information, please visit: www.ADEM.company.