Chinese dance drama opens Chekhov Int'l Theatre Festival in Moscow

　　 Audience dressed in traditional Chinese long robes at the State Kremlin Palace, Moscow, after the performance of the Chinese dance drama, Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, on May 23.

　　Chinese dance drama, Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, was staged at the State Kremlin Palace, Moscow, on May 23 and 24, opening the 17th Chekhov International Theatre Festival.

　　Inspired by the timeless masterpiece A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains by Wang Ximeng from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the dance drama, crafted by choreographers Zhou Liya and Han Zhen and produced by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, has captivated audiences worldwide with 740 shows since its premiere in 2021.

　　Dancers of the Chinese dance drama Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape posed after the show on May 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

　　As part of the celebration of the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture, the dance drama attracted Russian audience members, who dressed in traditional Chinese clothing and expressed their admiration and praise for the production.

　　On May 22, the creative team members of the dance drama met with the local audience, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and discussing cultural understanding. The team explained how the choreography reflected the shapes of the mountains and rivers and conveyed the essence of Eastern aesthetics. They even led the audience in learning some simple dance moves.

　　Audience dressed in traditional Chinese long robes at the State Kremlin Palace, Moscow, after the performance of the Chinese dance drama, Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, on May 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

　　Dancers of the Chinese dance drama Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting showcased movements in Moscow on May 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]