It may be amusing to see people in gorgeous costumes of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) talk in fluent English.
Yet that was what Beijing's audience enjoyed at the world premiere of The Power on Friday night in the Century Theatre.
Said to be the first English language play produced in Beijing, The Power is set during the golden years of Zhenguan (AD 627-649), when Emperor Taizong ruled.
The story occurs during a period of prosperity and openness that was rarely seen in ancient China.
The majestic palace looks luxurious and peaceful, but it camouflages a fierce battlefield.
The heir of the throne plots to kill his father, Emperor Taizong. Mei Niang, Taizong's beloved lady and later China's sole Empress Wu Zetian discovered the plot. She sends a message to court officials and saves the emperor's life.
Frustrated with his son's betrayal, Taizong goes to award Mei Niang for her decisiveness, yet finds another son, Prince Zhi in Mei Niang's bed.
The emperor draws his sword in rage but hesitates. Prince Zhi is the only choice for his throne now, while Mei Niang is his only true love in the palace, and a wise counselor on national affairs.
Who would Taizong put to death? Or is there a way out so that father, son and the woman can live together in safety and harmony?
Developed from historical facts, the drama incorporates complicated battles among the powerful, blood ties and love in the ancient palace.
It mirrors how Chinese royalty applied the law of averages to reach a balance between authority and inner emotions.
"I have always wanted to produce a play that bridges Western and Eastern theatre arts," said Tong Li, the Chinese-American playwright of "The Power."
"So I create a romantic tragedy, containing all the typical elements of Chinese culture. I adopt another language, as well as Western theatrical expressions, which emphasize detailed depictions of people's inner world, to enhance the beauty of both cultures."
The Power employs an eclectic mixture of Chinese and foreign artists.
American director Elena Araoz was handpicked from a total of 35 candidates from more than 20 countries across the world.
A New York-based theatre and opera director and actress, Araoz was the assistant director for the Broadway classic, King Lear, which received two Tony Award nominations in 2004.
She is also experienced in pronunciation training herself.
And Chinese-Australian Nina Liu acts as the attractive heroine Mei Niang.
Born in Sydney, Liu graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She has played the lead in several television series.
This time Liu brings Chinese audiences a different Mei Niang, an attractive woman who took advantage of her beauty to skillfully play with politics and men's hearts.
Apart from a creative cast and humorous lines, The Power also features diverse stage scenery, with distinctive backgrounds, dazzling costumes, and dancing and music in an ancient Chinese style which will delight audiences.
"The fascinating costumes and music are impressive," said Imelda Lapthorne, an Australian from Yew Chung International School of Beijing.
She has lived in China for four years. She attended the premiere with her two colleagues.
The Power, it seems, is the first drama they have seen in a theatre in Beijing.
After its debut in Beijing, the play will run until September 4. Then, it will tour other major cities around the country, before going abroad.
"We wish to attract more Chinese people, particularly English enthusiasts, to visit the theatre. We want to tell them that there are more enjoyable and cultural ways to spend their weekend, besides going to bars and coffee shops," said Tong Li.
"And we are working very hard to bring the best of our culture to foreign audiences."
(China Daily August 31, 2005)
