Wednesday July 25, 2012
Performance by Malaysian troupe impresses audience in Xi’an
By CHOW HOW BAN
hbchow@thestar.com.my
MORE than 8,000 people turned out for the Malaysian musical, Princess Wen Cheng – The Musical, held at the Qujiang International Convention Centre here in Xi’an China’s Shaanxi province from July 20 until 22.
The audience was impressed with the performance by a Malaysian troupe, and many were moved to tears while watching the show.
Happy and united: The musical cast showing the multi-racial element in one of the scenes. Set in a time more than 1,300 years ago, the musical extravaganza depicts the fascinating story of Princess Wen Cheng’s journey from Chang’an (the then Xi’an) in China to Tibet as a marriage ambassador to King Songsten Gampo during the Tang dynasty.
The princess crossed deserts and snow-capped mountains, bringing along Chinese culture and technologies in agriculture, medicine and textile as well as arts.
Her gentleness, wisdom and compassion captured the hearts of the Tibetan people. Her legacy of love, honour and dedication continues to inspire the world until today.
Director and producer Ho Lin Huay said it was especially meaningful that the musical was performed in the princess’ homeland of Xi’an.
Many hands: Dancers executing an attractive piece of choreography. “The princess started her journey from Chang’an to Lhasa in Tibet. By coming here, the musical has gone back to the princess’ roots. We are excited to share this musical with Xi’an people as Princess Wen Cheng is the daughter and the pride of Xi’an,” she said.
The 150-minute musical featured a total of 15 scene changes and over 200 sets of traditional costumes, with dance choreography by Shirene Chan Soo Leng and Michelle Yong Soo Fon.
The lead role of Princess Wen Cheng was played by Malaysian top soprano Evelyn Toh and King Songsten Gampo by vocalist Yang Wei Han.
Other cast members included Yudi, Lim Cheng Hock, Yong Lip Kiong, Alvin Loh, Jeffrey Chew and Lim Wen Suen. The music is composed and arranged by Imee Ooi.
One for the album: Berjaya Corporation founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan (centre) posing with actors, Yang and Toh (left), of Princess Wen Cheng. Come October 2012, the musical will be staged in Malaysia at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur. It will then be performed at the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore in January 2013.
There are plans to bring the show to Europe and the United States. For further information, call 018-266 6900 or visit www.asiamusicalproductions.com.
Source:
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