The Bird's Nest version of opera "Turandot" directed by Zhang Yimou caused a sensation in Beijing during the last National Day holiday. Now Zhang will stage the spectacle in Taiwan, with cast members from both sides of the straits.

 

Zhang Yimou's presentation of "Turandot" is set to dazzle Taiwan audiences next month. It will be staged at the Baseball Stadium at the city of Taizhong on March 27th and 28th. Some roles will be played by Taiwan performers, selected from a poll registration.

A Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Group affiliated with the China Central Song and Dance Ensemble will play alongside the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra. Teachers and students from Taiwan Sports University will take part in dance and martial art performances featured in the opera.

Turandot is expected to be the largest scale art project jointly held between the mainland and Taiwan. Fifty thousand people are expected to watch the shows.

Another example of the increasing cultural exchanges is Taiwan playwright Stan Lai's new drama "A Village of the Island" which was well received in Beijing after the lunar new year.