Chinese poetry in motion in new dance drama

The dance drama The Painting Journey—The Legend of A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers premiered at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Aug 20 with three shows running throughout Aug 22.

Staged by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, the dance drama combines Chinese poems with dance movements as well as a story taking place in both contemporary and ancient worlds.

Choreographers Zhou Liya and Han Zhen, along with other creative members, including Xu Junrui and composer Lyu Liang, showcased the beauty of Chinese poems through elegant Chinese dance movements. The two choreographers are known for their revolution-themed dance drama The Eternal Wave.

From Sept 24 to 26, The Painting Journey—The Legend of A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers will be staged in Shanghai and will also tour Suzhou and Hangzhou later this year.