Lu Chuan's dance drama returns to SZ stage

Renowned Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan's directorial debut in dance drama, “Tian Gong Kai Wu,” will return to the local stage during the summer vacation after its successful debut in March.

Lu Chuan's dance drama is inspired by the 17th-century Chinese encyclopedia “Tian Gong Kai Wu.” File photos

Early-bird tickets are now available, with a 10% discount on tickets priced at 280 yuan and 380 yuan, and a 20% discount on tickets marked at 580 yuan or higher.

Already performed 49 times across 18 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 show portrays the wisdom and industriousness of ancient Chinese.

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 dance drama brings to life the 18 chapters of “Tian Gong Kai Wu,” showcasing the scientific and technological achievements of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) while highlighting the practical skills of Chinese agriculture, handicrafts, and manufacturing.

The show headlines Ma Jiaolong, winner of China’s Lotus Award – the highest honor for a Chinese dancer, alongside rising stars Lyu Kedi, An Yining and Zang Yanjie. 

A scene from "Tian Gong Kai Wu."

The stage design, blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with a contemporary flair, draws inspiration from the 123 illustrations within the book.

What sets this production apart from other dance dramas is its extensive use of multimedia in the stage design. Given the director’s expertise in visual storytelling, the scenes often evoke the grandeur of blockbuster films.

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.

Tickets: 180-880 yuan

Time: 8 p.m., Aug. 2-3

Venue: Nanshan Culture and Sports Center Theater (南山文体中心聚橙剧院)

Metro: Line 1 or 12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B