Dance brings ancient war alive

The narrative centers on the struggle between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang following the fall of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Their final confrontation in Gaixia ends in tragedy, as Xiang, defeated after a tactical ambush, chooses suicide over escape.

This historic rivalry between Xiang and Liu has long been retold in Chinese literature and performance, forming the basis of the Peking Opera classic Farewell My Concubine. The story reached global audiences through the 1993 film directed by Chen Kaige, which won major international awards.

Yang's version, however, shifts the focus. Rather than retelling the battle alone, she explores the emotional and psychological tensions experienced by individuals caught in cycles of power, desire and fear.

"People of all times and all over the world can relate to such situations," she says.

"Dance tells stories through the body, which is universal. You don't need language to understand it."

Xiang emerges as a tragic hero with serious personality flaws that make him a great theatrical character.

"He is stubborn and indecisive, yet also deeply loyal and righteous, willing to break rather than bend," Yang says. "It is this roughness and authenticity about him that endears the character to audiences."