Forbidden ditties

There are humans who long for immortality, and then there are fairy snakes who long to experience mortal love.

The well-known legend of Madame White Snake, a classic story of forbidden affection between mortal and immortal lovers, comes to life on stage tonight and tomorrow at the National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing's lavish new theater complex.

Bai Suzhen, the White Snake, has practiced Buddhism for thousands of years and can metamorphose into a beautiful woman. She falls in love with a young man named Xu Xian at the Broken Bridge on West Lake and wants to marry him.

Fa Hai, a monk who lives on Gold Mountain Temple, prevents the marriage by using his magic powers to subdue Bai and entraps her in the Leifeng Pagoda. Many years later, Xiao Qing, her younger sister who is actually a green snake, comes to rescue her.

An all-star cast has collaborated on this lavish retelling of the familiar fairy tale.

Director Cao Xiaoning mixes elements of Peking Opera, martial arts, acrobatic stunts and multimedia. Leading Peking Opera composer Zhu Shaoyu wrote the score, which combines traditional Chinese instruments with Western symphonic orchestration. The script is by veteran playwright Zou Jingzhi, famous for his popular TV series. Leading Peking Opera actress Wang Yan will perform as the White Snake. Zhang Jianfeng stars as Xu Xian, and actress Zhang Shujing as Xiao Qing.

After its premiere in Beijing, Legend of the White Snake will tour internationally, including a stop at the renowned Phoenix Theater in Venice.

The show was produced by Beijing Gehua Heaven Creation Entertainment Co Ltd.

Address: 2 Xichang'an Jie, Dongcheng district 西城区西长安街2号国家大剧院

Time: 7:30 pm, Aug 13 and 14

Tel: 6655-0000

(China Daily 08/13/2008 page14)