4634zhuang3.jpg (Photo : Xinhua)
The next two months are bound to be an exceptional time for China's second-largest ethnic group, the Zhuang people from the Guangxi Province, as different parts of the world will witness the fruits of their culture.
Firstly, a magic and acrobatic show, titled "A Hundred-Bird Dress," is scheduled to be shown from Dec. 26-30, 2014, in Nanning, the capital of southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Using a classic Zhuang folk tale, the show's creators depict a fairy sunbird who becomes a young Zhuang woman, whose purpose is to attract one hundred birds so that she can construct a dress for a Zhuang man who is completing a Huashan rock painting.
The tale is significant for the culture and prevalence of the Zhuang people, even though the fairy sunbird eventually dies in a sacrificial conclusion. Through its celebration of bravery, persistence and generosity, "A Hundred-Bird Dress" shares the Zhuang people's passion for preserving their ethnic culture, their beliefs and love for a life of fulfillment.
Scriptwriter Chang Jianjun explained to the media: "The show takes advantage of breathtaking acrobatics, dramatic conflicts, a dream-like stage, thrilling music, and ornate finery to create an inspiring and fascinating story for the audience, one that is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the ears."
However, Nanning will not witness an exclusive performance, as after a further four shows in the city, the cast and crew will travel to the China-Vietnam boarder and the rest of Southeast Asia, followed by Europe, and then the United States.
Then in January, as part of Chinese New Year preparations in London, United Kingdom, 50 dancers will portray the legend of the Zhuang people at the Sadler's Wells venue.
"Legend of the Sun" won the Golden Lotus Award and the Outstanding Production Award at the 7th China Theatre Festival. January's show is choreographed by Shuangbai Feng and composed by Gangbao Liu.
