Best bets

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Oriental Song and Dance Company Dance Drama Lan Huahua

Date: Oct 14-15－7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 80-500 yuan

The dance drama Lan Huahua tells a story of a girl named Lan Huahua, who lives in a village on North Shaanxi Plateau, China. She and Yang Wuwa fall in love with each other, but are broken up because of their poor family circumstances. At a New Year carnival, Lan Huahua happens to hit squire Zhou Laocai's fancy, and Zhou wants her to marry his youngest son, who is still under age. Deceived by the matchmaker's words and lured by betrothal gifts, Lan Huahua's father assents to the marriage. At the wedding ceremony, Yang Wuwa, who is filled with indignation, has conflict with Zhou Laocai. And in the midst of chaos, Zhou Laocai mistakenly kills his beloved son. Becoming frenzied, he forces Lan Huahua to marry his dead son, which then leads to a shocking, weepy tragedy.

NCPA Opera Commission The Dawns Here Are Quiet

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Date: Oct 21-24－7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 100-880 yuan

During World War II, a group of female soldiers in the Soviet Union guard the important railway facilities under the command of Warrant Officer Vaskov. Among them are simple and kind Lisa, brilliant Sonia, visionary Galya, smart and pretty Zhenya, and sophisticated and, capable Rita whose young hearts yearn for the future and happiness. One day, Rita, on her way back to the garrison from where her son lives, spots two German soldiers in the woods. Having been informed in advance, Vaskov judges that the German soldiers must be attempting to destroy the railway facilities, thus he hastens to intercept the enemy with five female soldiers.