AS an annual feast on the traditional Chinese New Year's Eve, the 2005 CCTV Spring Festival Gala had already set its theme -- "Golden Rooster, Harbinger of the Dawn," revealed Lang Kun, general director of the gala.

Being close to ordinary people's daily lives is the most striking feature of the gala. Some influential news in 2004, such as the Qinghai-Tibet railroad construction and China's Olympic achievements, all provide inspiration for the show.

To increase the popular appeal, the gala's organizers also invited some famous TV actors and actresses to take part. Audience can once again review the familiar scenes from the hit TV series on CCTV such as The Romantic Thing and National Treasure.

There is also something for those with a strong complex of nostalgia, as some veteran artists will show up with their previous well-known performances.

The year 2005 marks the centennial anniversary of Chinese films, so the gala will capilitalize on the opportunity to present some special dramatic skits, singing and dancing shows to reflect the development of Chinese films in the past 100 years. The organizing committee tried to invite some celebrities in China's film industry such as Zhang Yimou, Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, who, however, might not show up at the night because of their busy schedules. But the organizers said they would come up with a special program performed by famous actors to celebrate the evolution of China's movie industry.

Popular performers Niu Qun and Feng Gong are rehearsing their double comic show, a traditional Chinese theatrical form in which the front man does the acting while the one hiding behind him does the speaking. Familiar face Zhao Benshan did not disclose whether he would perform at the gala, saying that he hadn't given thought to it.

The singing cast has almost been decided. Taiwan's all-girl group S.H.E., Jackie Chan and his son Jaycee Chan, Yang Kun and Dao Lang will deliver an enthralling night.

(Shenzhen Daily December 16, 2004)