'Flying Apsaras' takes flight in Beijing, set for nationwide tour

A captivating original Chinese musical, Flying Apsaras, produced by Li Dun and featuring songs by songwriter San Bao, has commenced its staging in Beijing from April 25 to 27, captivating audiences with its enchanting narrative and melodious compositions.

Following its Beijing debut, Flying Apsaras is set to embark on a nationwide tour, encompassing 50 shows across 13 Chinese cities, starting from August. Among these cities, Dunhuang in Gansu province, renowned as the home of the Mogao Caves — an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site — will be a significant stop on the tour, adding a poignant layer of historical and cultural significance to the musical's journey.

Drawing inspiration from the evocative Dunhuang murals, the musical intricately weaves together tales of individuals dedicated to safeguarding and conserving the ancient site, spanning back to the 1930s. Featuring 13 songs featuring diverse music styles such as pop, rock, and traditional Chinese music, the musical showcases the vocal talents of performers from the Oriental Performing Arts Group, the production company of the musical.

The production artfully integrates iconic images from the caves of Dunhuang mural paintings, including the mesmerizing flying apsaras, known as feitian in Chinese, and the legendary nine-colored deer, enriching the visual and thematic tapestry of the musical with cultural and historical resonance.

The creative team behind the musical demonstrated their unwavering commitment to authenticity and depth by making approximately 10 visits to Dunhuang since the project's inception in 2016, ensuring a deep understanding and reverence for the historical context and artistic legacy of the region.

Producer Li and songwriter San Bao, with a collaborative partnership spanning over two decades, have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of popular Chinese musicals, including acclaimed productions such as Legend of the White Snake and Butterflies, showcasing their enduring dedication to delivering captivating and resonant theatrical experiences to audiences across China.