Yuan Dynasty poems and tales highlighted in children's theater play
The Secrets of Yuanqu, a Chinese children play, was staged in Beijing.
Yuanqu refers to the poetry of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The children play features a large number of popular poems and tales of Yuan Dynasty, such as the classic tale, Dou E Yuan (Injustice to Dou E), by Guan Hanqing, a prominent playwright and poet, and Romance of the Western Chamber by playwright Wang Shifu.
Traditional Chinese musical instruments and dances were also staged, which were combined with anecdotes with a sense of humor appealing to the young audience.
Produced by Beijing-based children theater Binfen Wuxian, the play is the third production of the theater, which combines drama, music, dance with ancient Chinese poetry. The first two productions highlighted poems of Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties.