

Lu Chuan's dance drama to hit SZ stage
Writer: Debra Li | Editor: Lin Qiuying | From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated: 2025-01-08
A poster for dance drama "Tian Gong Kai Wu." Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Poly Theater
Renowned Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan's directorial debut in dance drama, “Tian Gong Kai Wu,” will grace Shenzhen PolyTheater from March 7 to March 9.
Starting today and continuing through Friday, there is a 20% early-bird discount available for tickets priced at 580 yuan and above. VIP members can avail themselves of reduced rates according to their card status - Gold Card members receive a 15% discount, while Silver Cardmembers enjoy a 10% discount, although these offers cannot be combined with the early-bird promotion.
A scene from "Tian Gong Kai Wu."
Already performed 25 times across 11 cities in the country, “Tian Gong Kai Wu” has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike for its captivating storyline interwoven with dance, video art,and cutting-edge stage effects.
The drama recounts the life of ancient Chinese scientist Song Yingxing and his compilation of various agricultural and handicraft skills in the 17th-century Chinese encyclopedia “Tian Gong Kai Wu.”It portrays the wisdom and industriousness of ancient Chinese.
The show portrays the wisdom and industriousness of ancient Chinese.
Director Lu, acclaimed for his works such as “Kekexili: Mountain Patrol” and “City of Life and Death,” said that Song is not just a scientist but also a philosopher, whose principles and groundbreaking ideas continue to inspire contemporary audiences.
Although Song faced setbacks in the imperial examinations, his inability to secure a court position led him to pursue endeavors of greater significance. Enthralled by the ingenuity andcreativity of the common folk during his visits to the imperial capital, Song began studying and documenting the technological advancements of his era in his renowned book.
"Tian Gong Kai Wu" is Lu Chuan's directorial debut in dance drama.
The dance drama unfolds the 18 chapters of“Tian Gong Kai Wu,” showcasing the scientific and technological accomplishments during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), while also highlighting the practical skills in Chinese agriculture, handicrafts, and manufacturing.
The harmonious interplay of natural sounds,heard during farming, sericulture, smelting, and bellows operations, seamlessly blends with the score and captures the contentment ancient people derived from these activities. The stage design, blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with a contemporary flair, draws inspiration from the 123 illustrations withinthe book.
The show's stage design blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with a contemporary flair.
Co-produced by the Jiangxi Cultural Performance Group and the Beijing Dance Academy, the dance drama promises to breathe life into Song’s centuries-old masterpiece.
“The dance drama transcends language barriers, allowing people of different ages and nationalities, especially the younger generation, to gain insights into China’s scientific and technological development,” Lu said.
Tickets: 180-880 yuan
Time: 8 p.m., March 7-9
Venue: Shenzhen Poly Theater, Nanshan District (深圳保利剧院)
Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E