Bigger on the world stage that even Harry Potter’s creator JK Rowling, Louis Cha – who writes under the pen name Jin Yong – is known the world over for his wuxia or martial arts novels that have been adapted for television, film, comic books and video games.

Among the 94-year-old author’s most famous titles is 1967’s “Xiao Ao Jiang Hu” (“The Smiling, Proud Wanderer”) – which loosely translates as living a carefree life in a world of strife – and was made into Tsui Hark’s movie triology under the English title of “The Swordsman” in 1990, 1992 and 1993. Thais will know it better as “Dej Kampee Thevada.

In 2016, the very popular novel found a different way of coming to the stage when its story was woven into a series of acrobatic moves under the English title of “The Legendary Swordsman” by Guangzhou Acrobatic Arts Theatre. It was premiered in Guangdong then travelled to Taiwan, Singapore and Macau, each time playing to packed houses and earning critical acclaim.

Now, thanks to the efforts of BEC-Tero, it is on its way to Bangkok and will be staged next month at Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani.

“Everyone in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan knows this novel by heart. When we performed in Shanghai, Jin Yong came along and he was impressed by our interpretation,” says the show’s director Xu Juan, deputy general manager of the Theatre, formerly known as Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe, during a recent press conference at CentralWorld.

“All performers with Guangzhou Acrobatic Art Theatre must read this novel and try to really understand their characters.”

“Even though I was born in 1999 and am only 19, I know this novel,” adds Tang Zhe, the acrobat who plays the main character of Linghu Chong.

Xu Juan says the novel lent itself to an acrobatic interpretation because of the interesting lead characters. These are: Linghu Chong, a young apprentice of Mount Hua Sword School who refuses to follow the rules and likes to help others; Ren Yingying, daughter of the former leader of the Evil Party; Yue Buqun, leader of the Mount Hua Sword School who raised and trained Linghu Chong and wants to get his hands on the coveted Mallow Journal and rule the world; Ren Woxing, Yingying’s father, who was betrayed by the Invincible Orient and has been held captive for a long time; and Dongfang Bubai aka Invincible Orient – leader of the Evil Party who successfully completed the training outlined in the Mallow Journal.

The story starts in a world where people are fighting for power, where good tries to overcome evil and everyone is searching for the Mallow Journal, a mysterious manuscript that will render its owner invincible. Chaos arises when the manuscript reaches the hands of Invincible Orient, and he embarks on a journey to conquer the world.

Linghu Chong, the free-spirited apprentice of the Mount Hua Sword School, is ordered by his master Yue Buqun, to retrieve the Mallow Journal. During his mission, he encounters members of the Evil Party as well as Ren Yingying, who is a mission to find her father. The encounter triggers feelings between Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying. The good guys turn bad and the bad guys become honourable, but they all end up fighting in their quest to rule the world.

“This acrobatic show maintains the original story of ‘The Swordsman’ with those five main characters. It is a love story of Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying who face different obstacles and also that of good and evil. In the story, both are hunting for Dongfang Bubai so they can take back the good. It is one of the Chinese people’s favourite moral stories.

“It wasn’t easy to transfer a novel into an acrobatic production, which shows the beauty of strength and skills. The hardest part was finding the best way to attractively and elegantly perform the acrobatics in harmony with the story. I cast those performers based on the characters of the novel and their acrobatic skills. Tang Zhe was the obvious choice for Linghu Chong, as he is solemn and strong and most importantly handsome, even when he is performing on the softwire,’ says Xu Juan.

“It’s tough to portray the character in combination with the acrobatics. Performing acrobatics isn’t like performing with dialogue. And I’m nothing like Linghu Chong. I’m a funny guy while Linghu Chong is taciturn,” says Tang Zhe, who has been training as an acrobat for 13 years.

“The development of acrobatics of today relies on the director’s creativity. It is blended with other performing arts such as ballet and gymnastics. China has many acrobatic troupes but the Guangzhou Acrobatic Art Theatre puts on unique and striking performances such as silk rope and softwire walking,” Xu Juan adds.

High leaps, daring moves

– “The Legendary Swordsman” is being staged at Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani, on October 5 to 7 and again from October 9 to 14 at 2pm and 7pm.

– Tickets cost from Bt700 to Bt1,500 at Thai Ticket Major outlets. Call (02) 262 3456 or visit http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

More than 2,000 fleet-footed folks were up before dawn last Sunday to participate in the 5km and 10km Run for Heroes in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park, the second charity activity of the SCG Foundation’s “Hands for Heroes” project following “Paint for Heroes”, held earlier this year.

“The project aims to purchase patrol equipment for forest rangers such as combat boots, jungle hammocks, raincoats and dried food,” said Kajohndet Sangsuban, the foundation’s executive director.

“We’ve had the ‘Sharing the Dream’ scholarship programme since 2015, which has helped 366 children of forest rangers get through school. It’s our way of expressing our heartfelt gratitude to those who risk their lives in tending to Thailand’s natural resources. It gives them reassurance that they needn’t worry about covering all their family’s costs.

“The SCG Foundation will strive to expand this support to boost their morale for many years to come. Fortunately, there are many groups helping this project, so there’ll be a ‘Hands for Heroes’ every year.”

Among the showoffs last weekend was a team of marathon runners from the “Kao Kon La Kao” (“Take One Step Each”) campaign.

The national badminton team and the youth team from the SCG Badminton Academy were represented. Wildlife veterinarian Dr Pattarapol “Lotter” Maneeorn came out, as did celebrities Kongkapan “Noom” Sangsuriya, Watcharaboon “Note” Leesuwan, Suthipong “Check” Thammawut, Thipdhida Satdhathip, Surawut Maikun, Saroot “Big” Wichitranon, Jinna “Jin” Navarat, Jayda Saranya, Oat Surasak, Phiphat “Arm” Withayapanyanon, Patcharin “Namfon” Srivasupirom and Winai “Mek” Kraibutr.

The Tublan Ranger Band played forest-theme songs like “Phoo Pitak Pa” (“For Our Heroes”).

Actor-TV host Noom Kongkapan said he’d seen the rangers in action while making documentaries about Thai forests and the people who protect them.

“I know that working and living in the forest is not easy. One forest ranger has to take care of a vast area and he risks his life in many ways. There are among natural disasters, wild animals, wildlife poachers and illegal loggers. And they do their jobs without expectation of fame or glory.

“So I think it’s important to send them positive energy and boost their morale so they don’t have to worry about the families they’re forced to live apart from.”

There was also a “Father-Child, Save the Forest” costume contest and participants and spectators were encouraged to join the “Hands for Heroes” Facebook page and share photos there of the run.

“Hands for Heroes” has to date raised more than Bt1.7 million to purchase patrol equipment. Among many other items, they’ve bought 522 hammocks equipped with bug nets and waterproof clothing for rangers working for the Wildlife Conservation Bureau, Office of National Parks and Forest Protection and Fire Control Office.

“We don’t have enough equipment, but one thing that we never lack is encouragement,” said Thanya Netithammakun, director general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

“Not all rangers survive in the forest. Some have left their wives and children behind permanently. But from now on, thanks to the SCG Foundation, the rangers won’t have to deal with anxiety about their families’ future because the support is available.”

Thanya said the department’s annual budget was insufficient to buy all the equipment that Thailand’s 30,000 forest rangers need as they protect more than 70 million rai of woodland.

“We are attempting to decrease forest incursions by poor villagers and capitalists and get many forest areas back under public protection. Then we can join with groups like the SCG Foundation to restore the forests.

“We have the modern technology to help protect the forests – hardwired GPS trackers installed in trees and network-centric anti-poaching cameras guarding against loggers. But the illegal activity continues because the punishment isn’t harsh enough to deter them, so we’re planning to revise the National Parks Act and Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act.”

Up next for the SCG Foundation is the “Songs for Heroes” concert to be held at the KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Centre of Performing Arts in Siam Square One on November 17.

Paiboonkiat “Pun“ Kiewkaew, Su “Jui” Boonlieng and Sumate & the Pang will perform, as will the forest ranger band. Seats cost Bt1,000 to Bt2,000 at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com and (02) 262 3456.

Hands for Heroes T-shirts are on sale in many places and donations are welcome via the SCB Bank account “Hands for Heroes by SCG Foundation” (468-0-71691-0).

Find out more at http://www.Facebook.com/handsforheroes.

Located just 14 kilometres from the airport, Mai Khao Beach comes with sprawling sea views and a natural soundtrack of waves lapping against the shore. In the afternoon, guests can relax with an icy beer in one of the club’s cosy lounge areas – sophisticated in their simplicity and inviting by design. As night falls, guests enjoy the seamless shift in atmosphere from low-key to uptempo.

A rotating roster of DJs provides a soundtrack that builds from chillout jazz, to soul and funk, to club and deep house as the evening energy progresses. The club also offers a medley of delectable island fare like a zesty pomegranate and burrata salad, crispy golden calamari and pork satay with local pineapple and peanut sauce.

The drinks menu includes classic takes on bar favourites like a traditional Bloody Mary with a punch of vodka, Lea & Perrins and Tabasco to help recover from the night before. There’s also local far l such as the Phuket Paradise – Thai rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and sour mix – to prepare you for the night ahead.

Find out more at http://www.MBeachClubPhuket.com.

The Switzerball can take visitors to most of the major tourist destinations in Switzerland in just four and a half minutes, all the way from your hotel.

Along the route you board a train, climb a mountain, ride a cable car, stroll a cliff, enjoy a creamy fondue and taking a boat to Chillon Castle.

Switzerland is world famous for its alpine grandeur, which is captured in multiple photos in the show. Pictures also show the production of enough cheese during summer so it can be stockpiled for the long winter months. Others depict festive processions of herdsmen and women dressed in traditional costumes.

There’s a stacking challenge to find “the secret of Annabelle’s beauty”, a lovely cow. The winner each day goes on to the final round on September 23 for a chance to win an eight-day luxury vacation in Switzerland to meet Annabelle in person.

For details, visit the “Inlovewithswitzerland” Facebook page.

The event, held at Siam Kempenski Bangkok, also saw the announcement of collaborations with five licensee brands, namely Jockey, Hush Puppies, John Henry, Body Wild by Gunze and Frolina. Together, they co-launched five special collections of innerwear and towels that feature five world-class innovations and technologies for cotton. The collections and their special attributes were presented in a chic fashion show with a “Locker Room” concept by both celebrity and professional models, among them Boy Pakorn, Ken Phuphoom, Bee Namthip, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang and Lee Thanat along with Philip, Attila, Joseph and Man from “The Face Men Thailand 2017”.

Kraipob Pangsapa, Cotton USA’s Asean representative, said: “Innovation is one of the reasons that over the past 22 years, we’ve been building consumer awareness of US cotton as a premium, eco-friendly fibre. Cotton USA consistently introduces innovative technologies to inspire licensees with new possibilities to increase the performance of their products. For example, these technologies are behind superior breathability and moisture-wicking performance that made cotton tshirts ideal for workouts. Denim, too, benefits from waterrepellent technology that gave jeans an added attribute for outdoor life. These performance products have received very favourable responses from consumers worldwide.

“This is our tenth consecutive Cotton Day celebration with textile industry suppliers, Cotton USA licensees, consumers and the media,” Kraipob continued. “The event also kicks off our global campaign to showcase innovation in technologies that will inspire everyone in textile business across the world with new ideas for cotton and cotton blended fabrics, performance of products and opportunities to meet lifestyle needs of the consumers.

“Innerwear and towels are contiguous to our delicate skin. Technological innovations are therefore introduced to increase their performance for better comfort and confidence of the wearers and users,” he pointed out. “Innovation can be found in the products of all these five brands. Jockey highlighted its argan oil innovation. Pure Moroccan argan oil contains beneficial fatty acids and vitamins. It is blended with US cotton, resulting in cotton innerwear that provides an extra soft touch and the ability to keep the skin moisturised. Hush Puppies features SuperCare Innovation, using collagen extract to give a soft, smooth touch to cotton fabric. This cotton technology also helps retain skin moisture and block UV rays. John Henry offers Deogreen Innovation, an anti-bacterial, anti-odour technology that also provides a soft, comfortable touch. Body Wild by Gunze brings the Cut-Off innovation, a seamless innerwear technology that allows the wearers to cut the sleeves or trunk to a desired length or cut the neckline to widen or deepen it without causing curls or unraveling at the edges even after more than 25 wash cycles. Frolina comes with Nano Pearl Innovation, in which the cotton thread is coated with nano pearl powder to give the fabric its soft, gentle touch and superb moisture wicking performance,” he noted.

To give consumers a hands-on experience of premium US cotton products and innovation, Cotton USA has created a popup store called “What’s new in cotton” at the Beacon 3 Zone, Level 1, Central World. It’s open through September 25.

Renowned for supporting local artists, Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is thrilled to showcase its latest collaboration with Koo, who has used striking geometric imagery and graphic elements to create designs that are fun and edgy.

A graduate in Creative Media from the London College of Communication, the freelance designer has an impressive client list that includes The New York Times, The Guardian, Wallpaper, Beams, Tokyobike and Smirnoff, to name a few.

The collection features designs inspired by the theme, ‘Bangkok means of transportation’. Guests can now brighten up the monsoon season with T-shirts, and coffee mugs emblazoned with colourful yet fun images of the city’s iconic tuk-tuk, bus and motorcycle. T-shirts are just Bt350 net and coffee mug Bt400 net.

G Shop is at lobby level of Pullman Bangkok Hotel G! Find out more at (02) 352 4000.

The aim, the organisers say, is to encourage the public to keep fit and for  family members to spend time together.

The event consists of two distances: a 10-kilometre mini marathon (Bt500 per entry) for which runners are categorised by age and a three-kilometre walk and run (Bt400).

Registers at http://www.MajorRunWithCare.com or in person at the Major Care Foundation on the M Floor of Major Cineplex Ratchayothin.

Proceeds will go to 10 schools in 10 provinces to fund scholarships and build classrooms.

Just horsing around

Actress, beauty blogger and animal lover Preeyada “Kambum” Kraivichai will be manning an ice cream booth at the eighth edition of “Pet Variety” taking place at Impact Exhibition Halls 34, Muang Thong Thani on October 47 on the theme of “Aloha Rerngra Hawaiian”.

This fourday event will showcase dogs, cats, ball pythons, guinea pigs, Fennec foxes, cockatoos, and racoons and will be open on each day from 10am to 8pm.

What we overlook

Artists Esther Alis, Dhanainun Dhanarachwattana, Saksit Khunkitti , Prae Pupityastaporn, Tulapop Saenjaroen, and Watcharas Leelawath join up for “Time Less Held: Artists Revisiting the Overlooked”, showing at Tadu Contemporary Art from now until September 27.

The six artists revisit the long-standing claim that what we typically overlook in our daily lives carries strange beauty and underestimated significance.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Eat, drink and be merry!

Conrad Bangkok is celebrating Oktoberfest 2018 with special menus at Diplomat Bar, Deli by Conrad, and City Terrace-Pool Restaurant from Saturday through October 7.

Diplomat Bar is offering  traditional German dishes such as “Bratwurst und Sauerkraut”, “Weiner Schnitzel”, and “Weisswurst” while Deli by Conrad and City Terrace Pool Restaurant have a scrumptious menu of traditional German dishes such as “Brotzeitellermit Griebenschmalz”, “Schweinsbraten”, “Beer Braised Brisket Burger”, and “Gergrilltes Zanderfilet”.

Make your reservation at (02) 690 9999.

Travellers can apply special promo codes to receive special discounts up to Bt150 to Bt250 off unlimited rides. The local tourism promotion campaign runs through September 30 and covers emerging community attractions in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani (Samui).

“While these destinations are already welcoming a large number of tourists every year, the ‘Grab Xi’ campaign will not only open doors to even more opportunities for the local communities with their unique charms but will also distribute income to the local people. This initiative forms part of Grab’s continued effort to improve the livelihood of the community and support income increase for sustainable growth. We hope to be able to expand this campaign to other provinces in the near future,” said Tarin Thaniyavarn, country head of Grab Thailand.

Travellers can participate in the Grab Xi campaign by selecting their destination as ‘TAT x Grab’ then choose the listed local destination in their province and add the promo code. For participating local community attractions in Bangkok and Pattaya, use the promo code ‘AMAZING’ to get a maximum Bt150 discount per ride. For Phuket, Krabi and Samui, use the promo code ‘THAITAY’ to get Bt250 maximum discount per ride. The promo codes can be used for unlimited rides throughout the campaign.

“To support the growth of domestic travel sector, TAT focuses on encouraging Thai travellers to visit local attractions. The initiative to promote these emerging destinations is one of our strategies to drive the economy, and tourism income, which is recognised as a major contributor to grassroots economies. To bring our strategic vision to life, an efficient transportation system is essential to the infrastructure required to ensure tangible growth for the local tourism sector, as it provides travellers with convenience,” said Noppadon Pakprot, deputy governor of TAT.

The local attractions are as follow;

Bangkok: Kudi Chin Community, Talat Noi, Baan Bart Community Village, Baan Bu Bronzework Community and Bang Kachao.

Pattaya: Pattaya Floating Market, Baan Chakngeaw Chinese Market, Na Kluea 100-Year Market, The Sanctuary of Truth and Khao Phra Tamnak.

Phuket: Thalang Cultural Village, Baan Kanaen, Ko Sirey Community, Phuket Old Town, Agritourism at Bang Rong and Mai Khao Beach.

Krabi: Krabi Walking Street, Khao Khanab Nam Caves, Ko Klang Baan Nateen Community and Tiger Cave Temple.

Samui: Wat Khunaram, Dusit Dhewa, Big Buddha Temple, Ko Fan, Wat Lamai Folklore Museum and Fisherman’s Village.

For more information, visit http://www.Grab.com/th/blog/tatxgrab/, Facebook.com/GrabTH or call the Grab Call Centre at (02) 021 2500.

A longtime writer from the beloved children’s show appeared to confirm they were in fact a “loving couple” on Tuesday, only for its creators to deny the pair are together or have a sexual orientation.

Mark Saltzman, who was a staff writer between 1981 and 1990, told the website Queerty he had based the pair’s dynamic on his own long-term relationship with film editor Arnold Glassman.

“I remember one time that a column from the San Francisco Chronicle, a preschooler in the city turned to mom and asked ‘are Bert & Ernie lovers?’ And that, coming from a preschooler was fun,” he said.

“And that got passed around, and everyone had their chuckle and went back to it. And I always felt that without a huge agenda, when I was writing Bert and Ernie, they were. I didn’t have any other way to contextualize them.

“I was already with Arnie when I came to ‘Sesame Street.’ So I don’t think I’d know how else to write them, but as a loving couple.”

Saltzman added the Bert and Ernie’s interactions mirrored his own with Glassman, who was his partner for more than 20 years until his death in 2003.

“I wrote sketches… Arnie’s OCD would create friction with how chaotic I was. And that’s the Bert and Ernie dynamic.”

But Sesame Workshop, which produces the show, denied the pair’s relationship was anything more than platonic.

“As we have always said, Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves,” the non-profit organization said.

“Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.”

Bert and Ernie’s relationship has long been questioned by viewers.

In 2011, gay rights activist Lair Scott launched an online petition signed by some 7,600 people that called for the pair to get married on the program to teach acceptance of gays and lesbians, spawning an extensive online debate on the topic as well as less popular pages opposing the two characters tying the knot.

In response, the show issued a similar statement to that released on Tuesday.

That did not prevent the pair from appearing on the cover of the prestigious New Yorker magazine in 2013, shortly after the US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage across the country.

They were shown cuddling up on the couch watching a television that showed the Supreme Court judges.

Microplastics — tiny plastic shards broken down from man-made products such as synthetic clothing, car tyres and contact lenses — litter much of the world’s oceans.

Hard to spot and harder to collect, they can seriously harm marine wildlife and are believed to pose a significant risk to human health as they move through the food chain and contaminate water supplies.

Now researchers of the University of Reading believe they have proof for the first time that microplastics can enter our ecosystem by air via mosquitoes and other flying insects.

The team observed mosquito larvae ingesting microscopic plastic beads — similar to the tiny plastic balls found in everyday cosmetic products — before monitoring them through their life cycle.

They found that many of the particles were transferred into the mosquitoes’ adult form, meaning whatever creatures then ate the flying insects in the wild would also ingest the plastic.

“The significance is that this is quite possibly widespread,” Amanda Callaghan, biological scientist at Reading and the lead study author, told AFP.

“We were just looking at mosquitoes as an example but there are lots of insects that live in water and have the same life-cycle with larvae that eat things in water and then emerge as adults.”

The animals known to eat such insects include several species of birds, bats and spiders, all of which are hunted in turn by other animals.

“It’s basically another pathway for pollution that hadn’t been considered previously,” Callaghan said.

Although the team observed the mosquitoes in lab conditions, she said it was “highly possible” the process was already happening in the wild.

Several countries including Britain have banned products containing microbeads, but Callaghan said the scale of the problem was still being discovered.

“It’s a major problem and those plastics already in the environment are going to be with us for a very, very long time,” she said.