A scene from kung fu drama "Soul of Shaolin"

"Soul of Shaolin," an inaugural "China on Broadway" production, was awarded a nomination for the Drama Desk Awards in the category of Unique Theatrical Experience.

The Drama Desk Award, created in 1955, is an award honoring shows produced on Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and for legitimate not-for-profit theaters.

Nominations for the 54th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced recently in New York.

"Soul of Shaolin," staged at Broadway's Marquis Theatre this January, marked the first time a production from China has appeared on Broadway and been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards honoring theatrical events in New York.

It features 30 Chinese nationals who are highly skilled in Shaolin Kung Fu. The story is about a boy taken in by the legendary monks of the Shaolin temple and raised among them, and becomes an accomplished master of Shaolin Kung Fu and embarks on a spectacular journey of self-discovery.

The 54th Annual Drama Desk Awards ceremony will be held on May 17 at Lincoln Center's LaGuardia Concert Hall of the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts.

As a Drama Desk Awards nominee, "Soul of Shaolin" is scheduled to return in 2010 and start a national tour in the United States.

Over the past 50 years, the prestige of the Drama Desk Awards has helped launch the careers of many major stars and playwrights.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2009)