‘Red Lantern’ stresses Chinese elements   

民族音乐剧《大红灯笼》首演 融合传统与现代

大型原创民族音乐剧《大红灯笼》16日晚在北京天桥剧场首演。有张艺谋的电影以及同名芭蕾舞剧的巨大声名在前，该剧以其高艺术水准避免了“炒冷饭”之嫌。

Beijing (CNS) -- The drama "Red Lantern," a modern take on the traditional Chinese musical, debuted last night at the Beijing Tianqiao Theater and will run till Jan. 20.

The production mixes traditional Chinese elements such as Peking opera with modern dramatic aesthetics, according to its director Zhou Yingchen, who is also an associate professor at Peking University.

We used a lot of traditional elements in the story, such as the long sleeves from classical Chinese operas and the Chinese water well, Zhou said, adding that a professional Peking Opera performer also has a role in the drama.

Most musical dramas in China are Western in style, so we have tried to feature more Chinese elements, said Peng Feng, the writer of the musical's libretto.