The stage musical epic "Prajna Shankha," directed by and starring singer Li Yugang, will launch its world tour in late April.

Led by creator Guo Yilu, the team that made the show includes singers such as Li Yugang and Yu Xiang as well as other top stage and dance artists in the country. The show, which highlights traditional Chinese culture and music using a variety of visual effects, debuted on Sept. 9 last year and enjoyed huge success, selling out all 14,000 tickets at Beijing's Cadillac Arena.

Director and performer Li Yugang said at a press conference held in Beijing Monday that after half a year of build-up to the show, the creative team has refined and improved the content of the performance as they continue to learn about traditional Chinese culture. The show has been divided into chapters based on four themes: nature, human civilizations, harmonious coexistence between humanity and the universe, and a final meditation.

"Audiences will enjoy this musical event. It is definitely a visual and vocal spectacle, and will also touch the human soul. It is an audio-visual feast of contemporary art, pop culture, traditional culture and philosophy," he said. 

Li, a singer and performer in the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, is known for his falsetto and "nan dan" Peking opera performances, in which a male plays a female role. He has directed and starred in his own stage production, "Lady Zhaojun," and released a series of albums.

Guan Jinghui, a former secretary-general of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party's Central Committee, said at the press conference that people are thrilled to see cultural products such as "Prajna Shankha" emerging.

"It is not only new in terms of performances, but also new in its attempt at a deep integration of traditional Chinese culture while carefully blending the remarkable aspects of Chinese civilization into the art of the stage, which will surely play a role in satisfying the cultural needs of the people and produce good social benefits," Guan insisted. "It will help traditional Chinese culture go global and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

Seven artists – Yunggiema, Ma Changsheng, Yu Xiang, Wang Lei, Tian Bujiu, Wang Jianan and Li Yugang – will perform on stage during the tour, according to reports. The young singer Huo Zun will also join the cast.

Preparations for the world tour of "Prajna Shankha" have been completed, and concerts will be held in Chinese cities first before taking to the world stage. The stops announced so far include: Chengdu, Sichuan province on April 21; Dalian, Liaoning province on June 2; and Shenyang, Liaoning province on June 9. After that, the show will continue to tour Shanghai, Wenzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Baotou, Hong Kong, Macao and other cities, but dates have not yet been set.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)