Terracotta shock and awe

The army of 8,000 life-size clay warriors guarding the tomb of the first emperor of China has inspired awe ever since it was accidentally uncovered near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, in 1974.

Inspired by this history, the American-Chinese producer and director Dennis K Law has choreographed a new "action musical", Terracotta Warriors, which is now playing in Beijing.

If you don't know what an action musical is, you're not alone. Dennis K Law came up with the term to describe his own large-scale spectacles combining Chinese dance and martial arts, circus-style acrobatics, elaborate period sets and costumes and a good deal of Broadway-style pizzazz.

The storyline of Terracotta Warriors is based on palace intrigues in the court of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who came to power in 221 BC. Marked by the execution of scholars and many assassination attempts as well as remarkable achievements, such as the building of the Great Wall of China and his own spectacular mausoleum, his autocratic rule provides tantalizing fodder for any dramatist.

The production features more than 300 period costumes and 20 scene changes, with three-dimensional-looking painted backdrops designed by Tu Juhua. The recorded score, by Chinese composer Hao Weiya, combines modern orchestral music with traditional Chinese instruments.

Time: 7:30 pm, until Aug 23

Place: Beizhan Theater, 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng district 西城区西直门外大街135号北展剧场

Tel: 800-810-0252

(China Daily 08/21/2008 page14)