Lord of the Ling

The Epic of King Gesar, a cycle eulogizing the mythical and fearless lord of the legendary Kingdom of Ling who once ruled the modern-day Tibet Autonomous Region, has been recited since the 12th century, but is now receiving a modern makeover in the form of a spectacular dance drama.

Stories of the Tibetan cultural hero have been passed down from generation to generation, along the way becoming an indelible part of Tibetan folklore.

The epic cycle, believed to be 25 times longer than Greek philosopher Homer's poem Iliad, comprises of more than one million lines and 20 million words across 120 volumes.

King Gesar's story continues to thrive not only among Tibetan communities, but also among Mongol, Tu and many other ethnic minorities thanks to preservation efforts by scholars and folk artists.

The Chengdu Military Area Command has adapted the epic into dance drama Hero Gesar. It will be staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) from next Tuesday to Thursday, following its December debut in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, last year.

Set on the rugged Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Gesar is sent from heaven as the son of a common Tibetan family by Buddha to defeat evil demons and help Tibetans overcome natural disasters and calamities. Endowed with special powers and abilities, young Gesar becomes chief of the Ling tribe at the age of 12 and later

marries the tribe's most beautiful woman, Sengjam Zholmo. He goes on to lead his people to victory in a battle against northern invaders. After completing his sacred mission, he returns to heaven to join his mother and wife, bringing the grand epic to a dramatic close.

Following the historical storyline and the narrative style of the original ballads, the 100-minute dance drama involving 180 performers has three intervals, a prelude and epilogue. The drama follows three main characters, namely King Gesar, his wife and his arch nemesis Zhaotion, who occupies Gesar's homeland.

King Gesar is portrayed as a righteous, wise, brave and gentle leader against the majestic, magical, solemn and lively atmospheric stage, enhancing the theme of harmony between Han and Tibetan people.

"It is the first time a Chinese dance drama has gone beyond old stereotypes and made full use of staging and artistic methods," said artistic director, Chen Weiya, who was vice director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

To present the mystery and splendor of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and showcase the abundant folk culture of Tibetans, a team from the theater company visited locations between 2008 and 2011 said to be resided by King Gesar. Props and costumes were designed in accordance with historical records to ensure authenticity.

Under the guidance of director Li Xining, the work is a combination of dance, theater, acrobatics and song.

In one pas de deux, leading male and female dancers twirl effortlessly in mid-air, suspended by cables.

During the show's climatic showdown between King Gesar and Zhaotion, the two dance on a four-meter-high platform in an aerial battle.

The stage is lit throughout the dance drama by dazzling lights, and images of dancers are projected onto a giant screen onstage, creating what director Li describes as an "illusionary atmosphere." Performers are projected as a part of a Thangka image, a Tibetan silk painting with embroidery usually depicting a Buddhist deity or famous scene. "Instead of astonishing the audience, we use the dance to highlight Gesar's presence as a half divine, half human king," Li explained.

Where: NCPA, 2 Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district

When: March 13-15, 7:30 pm

Tickets: 80-480 yuan

Contact: 6655-0000