Dance drama pays tribute to Dunhuang murals

Inspired by a lesser-known historical episode in Tang Dynasty (618-907), a dance drama titled “The Reunion of Oasis,” crafted by China’s finest performing artists, will return to Shenzhen in October.

A scene from “The Reunion of Oasis.” File photo

The event depicted in the dance drama appears in a remarkable mural in Cave 156 of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the murals not only have significant artistic value but also serve as authentic historical records shedding light on the politics, culture, and economy of ancient China.

That mural depicts a grand scene where Zhang Yichao, a military leader governing the Shazhou area, led his army on an expedition.

Historical accounts reveal that Zhang, born into a prominent local family, rallied the local population to overthrow the Tubo governor, returning Shazhou and neighboring counties to the Tang Dynasty.

Following the successful reconquest of Shazhou after more than six decades under Tubo rule, Zhang dispatched messengers to inform the Tang emperor of the victory. The messenger team’s journey to the capital Chang’an (today’s Xi’an) in 851 lasted nearly three years.

Led by dancer Hu Shenyuan as director and choreographer, with Xu Junrui scripting, Lyu Liang composing the original score, the show features Hu and Shi Renqi in leading roles. The production boasts Gao Guangjian as stage set and visual effects designer, Gao Jie as lighting designer, and Li Kun as costume designer. The Shenzhen Dance Co., under Hu’s guidance, will perform alongside the lead actors.

This production, set to tour 14 Chinese cities this year, utilizes 10 chapters of modern dance to narrate the epic journey of the messengers who traveled a vast distance to announce the return of Shazhou to the Tang emperor. Depicting various aspects of ancient society — including soldiers, monks, and musicians — the dance drama brings to life scenes from the murals, such as farmers sowing, farewells, encounters with robbers, and soldiers seeking shelter in a tavern.

The show to be presented at Guangming Culture and Arts Center is a revised edition.

Hu is one of China’s most sought-after dancers today. His previous works include “Nomadic,” “Under Siege — The Full Story of ‘Farewell My Concubine,’” and “The Ship of Theseus.”

Time: 8 p.m., Oct. 22-23

Venue: Guangming Culture and Art Center, Guangming District (光明文化艺术中心)

Metro: Line 6 to Fenghuang Town Station (凤凰城站), Exit B