Acrobat awaits payment for past performances

Acrobat and juggler Tian Liang Ge can spin ceramic pots on his head, but one trick he has yet to master is getting his former employers to pay him.

The performer, who uses the American name Tyler, recently left the bright lights of the Strip to work a graveyard shift at 7-Eleven. He estimates that his former employer, New Dynasty Entertainment, which produces "Dao the Asian Celebration" at the Riveria , owes him about $8,000 in back pay. For Tyler, who is in the United States on a work visa, feelings of exploitation are nothing new.

"This is the second time this has happened to me," he said.

In 2007, Tyler, then 17, was sharing a southwest valley house with 20 other performers, sleeping on a kitchen floor and eating nothing but noodles. The management of the touring company China Star Acrobat was struggling to pay them, too.

The home was raided by a joint task force of law enforcement and civil authorities that included Las Vegas police, Clark County Child Protective Services and the Anti-Trafficking League Against Slavery on suspicion that child performers were being mistreated.

Federal prosecutors, however, dismissed the criminal charges of "involuntary servitude" against the troupe officials for lack of evidence. The case was never presented to a grand jury.

In his new battle with New Dynasty Entertainment, Tyler feels the management is taking advantage of Chinese workers with limited English skills.

"They know we have no money and can't hire a lawyer," Tyler said.

Chunyan Hou, who owns New Dynasty Entertainment, said he should not be judged too harshly since business has been slow on the Strip. Hou said he has not paid himself in six months.

Hou said he is doing the "best he can" to pay back wages to his performers. Hou is trying to keep the show going as long as he can to raise the money.

Mark Levy, who books entertainment at the Riviera, said there are no plans to drop the 10-act show, which features traditional costumes, contortionists and juggling.

Levy was sympathetic and said winter is a "tough time" for shows on the Strip.

Hou also said he has been letting Tyler stay at his house for free since last summer.

Tyler said he plans to move out soon. He wanted to return to China to celebrate the Chinese New Year with his family but could not afford the plane ticket.

"My family was very angry with me," Tyler said.

Tyler eventually wants to attend college. A weight-lifter, he also wants to become a personal trainer. He's willing to work: The quarter-sized callus on his scalp is evidence of that. He developed it after years of using his head to spin heavy ceramic pots.

Bill Froman, who was Tyler's weight-lifting coach at Global Community High School, has described him as mentally tough, with a "bring it on" attitude.

Tyler said he enjoys performing but just wants to be paid.

Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug@reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.