'Tiangong Kaiwu' to be staged in Xuhui's new theater
2025-08-15 to 2025-08-17
2025-08-15 to 2025-08-17
The dance drama has been performed in 11 cities since its debut last year.
Well-known Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan's acclaimed dance drama "Tiangong Kaiwu" will be staged from August 15 to 17 at the Shanghai West Bund Theater, a new landmark in Xuhui District.
Since its premiere last year, the dance drama has toured 11 cities with 25 performances, with an overall attendance of more than 90 percent.
The crossover effort of director Lu Chuan, who is known for the films "Kekexili: Mountain Patrol" and "City of Life and Death," depicts the life of ancient Chinese scientist Song Yingxing and the various agricultural and handicraft skills he summed up in the famous 17th-century Chinese encyclopedia "Tiangong Kaiwu."
The dance drama also reveals the intelligence, diligence, and inventiveness of ancient Chinese people, whose contributions to science, technology, agriculture, and handicraft have benefited generations of people.
The drama's choreography and music are inspired by ancient laborers' process of farming, sericulture, wine-making and smelting.
Lu Chuan blends dance, video art, and visually stunning stage effects in the dance drama.
Lu uses dance, video art, and stage effects to depict the life of Song, who Lu considers to be a philosopher as well.
The stage design is based on historical materials. Through the study of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) art, architecture, clothes, furniture, and other items, the dance drama offers captivating aesthetic features of grandeur and simplicity.
The dance and music for the production are inspired by the arduous work of ancient Chinese laborers in farming, sericulture, winemaking, smelting, and blacksmithing.
Online ticket sales for the performance will begin on Wednesday on a variety of platforms, including Damai and Maoyan.
Event info
Date: August 15 - 17
Venue: Shanghai West Bund Theater 上海西岸大剧院
Address: 2290 Longteng Ave 龙腾大道2290号