Che Malambo And The China National Traditional Orchestra Announce London Premieres

Piu Entertainment brings two unique productions to London this July in their UK premieres.

Che Malambo, the all Argentinian percussive dance and music sensation will storm onto the stage at The Peacock 18 - 22 July while The China National Traditional Orchestra will bring epic Chinese musical drama Xuanzang's Pilgrimage to Sadler's Wells 20 - 22 July.

After wildly successful performances across North America and Europe Che Malambo brings the power, poise and posturing of the gaucho cowboys to the Peacock stage. A thrilling, testosterone-fuelled show of wild, unbridled energy.

Created by French director and choreographer Gilles Brinas and touring internationally since 2005, Che Malambo digs into the traditions and duelling culture of the macho Argentinian gaucho, with precision footwork, rhythmic stomping, drumming and song originating in the South American pampas. Into the cultural melting pot were added elements of flamenco brought by the Spanish, the step dancing of 19th century Irish immigrants, and tap and body percussion brought by West African slaves who worked alongside the gauchos. The hallmark of Malambo is zapeteo, the fast-paced footwork inspired by the rhythm of galloping horses. Malambo also features the drumming of traditional Argentinian bombos and whirling boleadoras, a throwing weapon made up of intertwined cords and weighted with stones.

Presented outside China for the first time, Xuanzang's Pilgrimage is a unique musical journey into the soul and culture of China and the East from The China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) . As the world's first traditional Chinese musical drama, Xuanzang's Pilgrimage is epic in scale and themes, combining music from China's Han, Uyghur, Kazak and Tajik ethnic groups amongst others and featuring exotic instruments such as zither, Chinese harp, dulcimer and eagle flute, a celebration of the diverse but connected cultures found along the legendary Silk Road. Xuanzang perseveres to achieve his goal through challenges and reflections on his personal spiritual journey.

Featuring 24 live performers with magnificent costumes, an 80 piece traditional Chinese orchestra and breathtaking projections, this spectacular and mystical production of Xuanzang's Pilgrimage tells a story of Chinese monk Xuanzang (602-664), who travelled the Silk Road across China on a pilgrimage to India, visiting Buddhist holy places and discovering sacred scriptures.

Both productions will be brought to the UK by Piu Entertainment, Che Malambo is produced by IMG Artists, with Xuanzang's Pilgrimage from WU Promotion.

Piu Director Cemil Demirok says 'Since Piu Entertainment was founded in 2012 we have worked hard to present unique theatrical events and live music concerts by world class artists nationally and internationally. We are delighted to be bringing two such high profile international acts to London for the very first time to such renowned venues as Sadler's Wells and the home of international culture, the Peacock Theatre'

Tickets are on sale now :

Che Malambo - www.peacocktheatre.com

Xuanzang's Pilgrimage - www.sadlerswells.com

Photo Credit: Mariana Radvanska