Dunhuang My Dreamland

-----Presented by Angel Dance Troupe

The grand dance drama "Dunhuang My Dreamland" was set in the world-famous Mokao Grotto at Dunhuang City in Northwest China's Gansu Province. The young painter, Mokao, went to Dunhuang in pursuit of the highest realm of lofty thought in art. On his way to the desert he was wounded and his life was endangered; the heroine, Yueya, saved him. Later, they met again at Dunhuang and fell in love. However, the great general, Yueya's father, opposed their liaison and forced her to choose a husband from the rich and famous candidates. Yueya decided to run away and seek true love. The couple chose to date in the cave although it was surrounded by the great general's army. Amid blood and fire, Yueya saved Mokao's life again, sacrificing her own. Yueya was turned into a clear spring where Mokao moistened his painting brush achieving great achievements in great sorrow. The Mogao Grotto and the Yueya Spring were immortalized.

The dance drama vividly reveals the soul of the Dunhuang culture and the romantic legend about the Mokao Grotto and Yueya Spring. The whole drama was rife in implications with a grand style. The creators endeavored to reinterpret the special places of cultural interest along the Silk Road, represented by Dunhuang from a modern perspective. They aim to explore the extensiveness and profoundness of the Dunhuang culture. The hardships and talents of the ancient painters and artisans were also given special attention. The cultural tradition is carried forward in the modern notion of dance drama.

The score of the dance drama is also of a strong local flavor. The music exploring the different themes -- exquisite love, the intelligent Mokao, powerful troops and Feitian -- all add romance and mystery to the drama. The dance drama is arranged with a strong operatic feature to create the typical dancing figures of particular characters. The set also creates the imposing style of West China. Lighting and costumes romantically reveal the unparalleled magnificence of Dunhuang art.

The dance will be performed by talented dancers from Angel Dance Troupe together with invited guest performers.

There will be four performances on June 14th at 1:00 and 7:00 PM, and June 20th at 1:00 and 7:00 PM. The shows will be staged in the Sorenson Center for the Arts of Babson College, 231 Forest St., Babson College, Wellesley, MA, 02457.