Marco Polo proves a hit in US(2)

The showAdventures ofMarco Polo combines Mongolian culture with Chinese acrobatics and magic. PROVIDED TO CHINA

Many of the places Polo visited were not seen again by Europeans until modern times.

His descriptions of the fabulous wealth of China under the Yuan Dynasty and the prosperous cities aroused the interest of merchants and explorers. As a result, contacts and trade links between China and Europe strengthened.

Telling a story about contact between China and Europe is not new, but the subject is explored in the show through music and dance, presented a huge challenge to the newly formed group.

"The show aims to give Western audiences information about the historical links between the East and the West through Polo's observations," said director Cao Xiaoning.

"The entire show features Mongolian music and dance, and each dance section in a total of five acts is exquisitely designed in an effort to present Chinese culture in the Yuan Dynasty through Polo's interaction with local people."

Bai said the huge success came as a result of the group's partnership with China Heaven Creation International Performing Arts Co, the promoter of the show in the US. The company gave advice on artistic matters, and Cao is its general manager.

"Our group used to do everything itself, but when we decided to perform overseas we found it is better to find a partner who knows the market," Bai said. "Combining our expertise in producing a state-of-the-art show and the company's commercial knowledge proved to be the correct choice.

"With the company taking care of the marketing in the US, we were free to concentrate on the design of the show and improving the quality of the performance."

Adventures of Marco Polo has set a record for Chinese music and dance shows performed abroad. It has been staged more than 420 times in the US since its premiere.

"We have found a way to achieve commercial success in a foreign market, and we now have a better understanding of how to interpret Mongolian culture for foreign audiences," Bai added.

"Our group will continue its mission to showcase Mongolian culture. We plan to produce a drama each year to let more audiences enjoy it."