Beijing is playing host to a vibrant mix of cultural event this spring, including musical dramas, dance productions, classic theater plays and new exhibitions.
The original West End musical Singin' in the Rain debuted in China at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre from Feb 14 to 27. Adapted from the classic 1952 MGM film of the same name, it has been voted the most popular film musical since world premiere in 1983.
It offers a lighthearted depiction of Hollywood in the late 1920s, with the three stars portraying performers caught up in the transition from silent films to "talkies".
What makes the performance truly spectacular is its breathtaking six-ton rain stage, where performers sing and dance, bringing classic movie moments back to life.
Hua Bian (The Mutiny), a play adapted from the Pulitzer-prize winning novel by Herman Wouk, hit the stage in Beijing again with shows running until Feb 24.
Known for its sharp dialogue, and intense courtroom drama that captivates the audience, the play is a classic of the Beijing People's Art Theater, exemplifying the essence of traditional drama. Since its premiere in 1988, it has remained a staple of the theatre's repertoire.
Although originally a foreign piece, the play has been adapted to have distinctly Chinese flavor in terms of both performance and cultural context.
Moreover, a breathtaking dance drama by the Wulan Muqi Theater from Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, was staged at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing from March 1 to 2.
Dawing inspiration from the Chinese poetic masterpiece "Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute," the dance drama tells the life story of Cai Wenji, a talented poet and musician of the Han Dynasty (202–220), who was forced to leave her hometown, marry a tribal king, and live in exile for 12 years before returning home.
Integrating unique ethical elements, the drama also reflected the history of the northern nationalities in ancient China.
"Based on the life story of Cai Wenji and the timeless poems masterpiece, this innovative performance allows viewers to understand the history of ethnic interaction, exchange, and integration in ancient China, as well as the country's cultural roots of multi-ethnic coexistence. It allows more people to appreciate the unique charm of northern frontier culture," said Ding Yungang, the dance drama producer.
The NCPA also hold an art exhibition showcasing the beauty of Hutongs, a type of narrow alley commonly found in northern Chinese cities, especially Beijing. Hundreds of artworks showcasing the view and layout of Beijing are displayed at the exhibition.
"You can clearly see the scenery along the city's central axis, as well as the classic architectural elements of four gates, three bridges, and five archways. Paintings here showcase the vibrant and lively urban life of Beijing, especially the colorful hutongs in the city's old street blocks," said Liu Yuxiao, director of art department of the NCPA, as he showcased paintings on display.
Beijing hosts vibrant cultural perfomances, art exhibitions
