'Silk Princess': Dance drama presents glory of Tang Dynasty

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We begin in Shanghai, where the dance drama Silk Princess has opened to enthusiastic response. Sponsored by the China National Arts Fund, the show recounts a fascinating episode of China's early exchanges with its neighbors.

Set in the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century, the Silk Princess presents a touching story on the ancient Silk Road. Its titular heroine left the imperial court to bring the technique of silk production to a neighboring kingdom beyond the empire's frontiers.

The show is created by the Xi'an Song and Dance Theater, a leading art troupe from northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Its creators have drawn inspiration from China's ongoing Belt and Road Initiative.

SONG YADONG PRODUCER "We hope the show will impress its audience with the magnificence of the Tang Empire. In addition to the brilliant silk goods, we have also highlighted the culture of the Tang Dynasty. You can see the openness and prosperity of that ancient world. These qualities are still valued nowadays."

The show has been in preparation for three years and its creators have done extensive research and visited museums in Hangzhou, Gansu and Xinjiang. The sumptuous costumes and stage sets are complemented with poetry and fine arts from the Tang Dynasty.

After Shanghai, the Silk Princess will tour other cities in east China over the coming two months.