Dance show brings Dunhuang murals to life

Dunhuang in Northwest China’s Gansu Province is home to a cultural treasure trove, the Mogao Grottoes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient caves boast well-preserved exquisite murals and sculptures, offering not only significant artistic value but also serving as authentic historical records shedding light on the politics, culture, and economy of ancient China.

“The Reunion of Oasis” will grace Shenzhen Poly Theater in January. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Poly Theater

One remarkable mural in Cave 156 depicts a grand scene where Zhang Yichao, a military leader governing the Zhazhou area — modern-day Dunhuang during the late Tang Dynasty (618-907) — 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 Zhazhou and neighboring counties to the Tang Dynasty.

Following the successful reconquest of Zhazhou 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.

Inspired by this historical episode, a new dance drama titled “The Reunion of Oasis,” crafted by China’s finest performing artists, will grace Shenzhen Poly Theater in January.

A scene from the dance show.

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

This production, which has been in the making for over two years,utilizes 10 chapters of modern dance to narrate the epic journey of themessengers who traveled a vast distance to announce the return of Shazhou tothe Tang emperor. Depicting various aspects of ancient society — includingsoldiers, monks, and musicians — the dance drama brings to life scenes from themurals, such as farmers sowing, farewells, encounters with robbers, andsoldiers seeking shelter in a tavern.

The story is set in late Tang Dynasty.

Commissioned for the 23rd China Shanghai International ArtsFestival, the dance drama premiered in August at the Guangming Culture and ArtCenter in Shenzhen and then was staged at the Shanghai International DanceCenter in October.

The show to be presented at Shenzhen Poly Theater is a revisededition.

Hu, best known to the public as the champion of Hunan SatelliteTV’s popular variety show “Dance Smash” in 2019, is one of China’s mostsought-after dancers today. He has received numerous professional accolades,including the 2020 Bessies Outstanding Performer Award, and the BestPerformance Award at the Fourth Beijing International Ballet and ChoreographyCompetition, among others.

His previous works include “Nomadic,” “Under Siege — The FullStory of 'Farewell My Concubine,'” and “The Ship of Theseus.”

The dance show narrates the epic journey of Tang messengers who traveled a vast distance to announce the return of Shazhou to the emperor.

Tickets: 180-680 yuan

Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 3-5

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