"The Reunion of Oasis" will grace Shenzhen Poly Theater in January. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Poly Theater
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.
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 Xu Junrui scripting, Lyu Liang composing the original score, the show features Hu and Shi Renqi in leading roles. The production boasts Gao Guangjian as stage set and visual effects designer, Gao Jie as lighting designer, and Li Kun as costume designer. The Shenzhen Dance Co., under Hu's guidance, will perform alongside 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 the messengers who traveled a vast distance to announce the return of Shazhou to the Tang emperor. Depicting various aspects of ancient society — including soldiers, monks, and musicians — the dance drama brings to life scenes from the murals, such as farmers sowing, farewells, encounters with robbers, and soldiers seeking shelter in a tavern.
The story is set in late Tang Dynasty.
Commissioned for the 23rd China Shanghai International Arts Festival, the dance drama premiered in August at the Guangming Culture and Art Center in Shenzhen and then was staged at the Shanghai International Dance Center in October.
The show to be presented at Shenzhen Poly Theater is a revised edition.
Hu, best known to the public as the champion of Hunan Satellite TV's popular variety show "Dance Smash" in 2019, is one of China's most sought-after dancers today. He has received numerous professional accolades, including the 2020 Bessies Outstanding Performer Award, and the Best Performance Award at the Fourth Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition, among others.
His previous works include "Nomadic," "Under Siege — The Full Story 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
Metro: Line 2 or 11 to Houhai Station, Exit E