The CDHT-CPAA Grand Theatre in Chengdu Photo: Courtesy of the theater

'CDHT-CPAA Grand Theatre Opening Season' - theater performances

The CDHT-CPAA Grand Theater in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, is hosting a string of performances in December and January to celebrate its grand opening on December 15.

The monthlong opening season was unveiled by a popular classical dance performance The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, where the breathtaking green landscape and elegant, unique aesthetics of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) were vividly displayed to audiences through gentle dance moves. 

The newly opened Grand Theater is 27,000 square meters in size, with four floors above ground and one underground floor. 

Shaped like a piano when viewed from the outside, the venue consists of a main theater, a multi-functional theater, VIP halls, rehearsal rooms, as well as dressing rooms for performers.

The performance season is divided into four chapters, bringing together over 20 performances including dance dramas, musicals, stage plays, dramas and symphonies. Various activities such as cultural forums and fan meetings will also be held during the season.

Where: CDHT-CPAA Grand Theatre, Chengdu

When: Until January 19, 2023

Price: From 180 yuan ($25)

'Deep Memory' - dance drama

"When the spark of life once again illuminates history, memory rushes toward us. We do not only have angry tears, but also memories of history that the country once experienced which haven't changed with time. We need to remember the darkness in order to see the glimmer of light. This is a dance of the soul." This is the introduction to the dance drama Deep Memory. 

In 2014, China's top legislature designated December 13 as a national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. In 2015, the archives of the Nanjing Massacre were listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Now, this memory is being presented as a dance drama. 

Deep Memory looks to reproduce the memories of the witnesses to the massacre. Audiences can travel back to those days to feel the power in people who helped each other, or who courageously sacrificed themselves out of love.

The performance starts with the perspective of Chinese-American writer Iris Chang, who is well known for exploring the truth of the Nanjing Massacre. Famous young dancer Tang Shiyi from the China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater plays the writer, who took her life at a young age.

Where:  Nanshan Culture and Sports Center, Shenzhen

When: December 21-22, 2022

Price: From 280 yuan ($40)

'The Count of Monte Cristo' - musical

Promotional material of The Count of Monte Cristo Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center

The Count of Monte Cristo, an adventure novel written by French author Alexandre Dumas in 1844, is one of the world's most famous works. The Chinese version invited a team including a director, choreographer, stage designer and lighting director from Russia, plus domestic actors to create a brand-new drama.

The Chinese version was first performed in Shanghai in early December. A Yunga, the head of musical theater from the Beijing Dance Drama and Opera Company, plays the main role, in addition to being one of the producers of the adaptation.

The performance will be staged at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Where: Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, Beijing

When:  December 22-26, 2022

Price: From 80 yuan ($11)