Street scenes

The theater covers more than 10,000 square meters near the ancient town. It looks like a mansion built with loess and tiles, which are common construction materials in the area.

Every shop, including the vinegar store, silk store and pharmacy, has its own story. There are too many interweaving plotlines for audience members to grasp them all, Wang says.

Another innovation is that attendees are directed into two entrances that lead to different versions of the show and don't meet until the final dance in a small traditional theater.

"It's very challenging to guide the audiences, who are free to talk and stroll as they please, to where I want them to go," Wang says.

"But that's what I'm striving for."

She has devised a few tricks. For instance, several percussionists gather on the street to beat drums until the crowd gathers around them, at which point they lead the audience to the theater for the final dance show.

More than 80 percent of the 150 performers are locals, who have been training for more than seven months. They are often embarrassed when audiences take photos with them or ask them such questions as "where's the toilet?" or "are you a performer?"

Wang says she trains actors to deal with such situations. They should reply: "I'm from the Qing Dynasty, and I've got no idea what you're talking about".

Wang's next production is Another Glance at Mount Wutai, which is about the history and culture of the namesake mountain in Shanxi.

Contact the writer at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn.