Finland's Moomins stepping onstage in China debut

A four-person band will perform live music, which was written by Helsinki-based pianist and composer Erna Tauro in the 1960s and '70s.

"This play is for both children and adults. It talks about happiness," says Chinese director Zhang Yan.

Though different from typical children's plays in China, which usually contain good and bad guys as well as intense dramatic elements, Zhang says that this play is very simple and tells stories of daily life.

"As a children's play director, I left all my experience behind and started with a fresh perspective to tell a simple, yet thought-provoking, story," she says.

As a mother, Zhang points out that Chinese parents are strict and demanding. They want their children to be well-educated and they push their children to excel at all cost.

But in The Moomins, the parents don't try to change or control their children.

"I think that the value of The Moomins is good for Chinese parents to learn," Zhang says. "Life can be happy and meaningful if you change your perspective."

If you go

9:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 7:15 pm, Dec 30 Jan 17. China National Theater for Children, 64 Dong'anmen Street, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 4001016161.