The China National Song and Dance Troupe is producing a show entitled Adventure on the Wonderland to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The show will be staged at the Poly Theatre from December 13-17 and at the Beijing Exhibition Hall Theatre from December 20-23.
According to Zhang Yesheng, director of the troupe, the show is expected to be a revolutionary production, compared with former shows.
"Both the music and dance are very modern and feature a combination of exotic and Chinese flavors," said Chen Weiya, director of the show.
Yang Liping, who is most famous for her peacock dance, will treat audiences to a peacock very different from her signature creature: "This time, I will try to teach the 'peacock' some movements of jazz," she said.
Tibetan folk songs will be accompanied by rhythmic tap dancing and a couple of Yi dancers will perform an ethnic dance resembling a classical ballet pas de deux.
"The traditional rhythm of Chinese dances is totally changed and even overturned (in this production). It can be considered a grafting of Chinese dance routines and Western steps," said Chen, who was originally a choreographer.
Well-known musicians such as Bian Liunian and Wang Yougui scored the show. Their music sounds novel and blends traditional Chinese musical elements with contemporary styles. Percussion and piano are dominant elements in the music.
Lots of high technology is used in the show to produce thrilling visual and audio effects. For example, the traditional Red Silk Ribbon Dance looks more like acrobatics. And some singers will perform on a special moving mini-stage high above the audience.
Other talented artists involved in the production include set designer Gao Guangjian, lighting designer Sha Xiaolan and costume designer Han Chunqi.
(China Daily November 5, 2002)
