THE CROSSROADS 2017 STAR THEATER BEIJING

In the spectacular opera from Beijing martial arts, theatrical performance and glorious costume design walk hand in hand with the mysterious power of pure Chinese culture.

Star Theatres mark the art of the future in China, where the momentum of pioneering theatre is searching for a way out of the conventions of the political establishment. A martial arts show and opera at the same time, Crossroads is based on a seemingly simple premise: The star, Wu Sheng (a male character and exceptional martial arts performer) reaches a village inn. Due to a misunderstanding he has a fight with the inn keeper. The entire show is based on depicting their battle in the dark. The stage is brightly lit, however the two characters perform as though they are fighting in the dark. A table and two chairs are the only props. There is an imaginary door, which we perceive only when Wu Chou (the clown-warrior) tries to pick its lock in pantomime.

As the play focuses more on the performance than on the song or recitation, the audience clearly understands the ways in which Chinese opera utilises symbolism as a means of outlining characters and moving the action forward. Beauty that will be appreciated, the splendour of the human body’s capabilities, Crossroads is a modern version of an Asian artistic tradition in an awe-inspiring spectacle.