Zhang Yimou: First impressions count

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-04 08:13

What has Zhang Yimou been doing since his highly acclaimed Olympics Opening Ceremonies? Movies, or one more open-air show? It seems his Impression series did not earn him as much acclaim as his blockbuster films, so he plans to add one more Impression.

Last week, he and his two long-time assistant directors Wang Chaoge and Fan Yue, who were also involved in the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, visited Wuyi Mountain in Fujian province, where they will do the fourth Impression project: Impression Dahongpao.

Dahongpao or "big red robe" is one of the best oolong tea growing areas in Wuyi Mountain. Inspired by local tea culture, Impression Dahongpao shows the history, customs, people and of course the scenic river and mountains in the area, says Zhang.

For the show that is scheduled to premiere next October, more than 400 locals will be hired as performers and build a revolving venue for an audience of 2,000.

Zhang's previous three Impression shows include Impression Liu Sanjie (2004), Impression Lijiang (2006) and Impression West Lake (2007). All combine unique local scenes, legends and spectacle folk performances.