Mythical tales in the spotlight

5. Daughter of Dunhuang

This original Shanghai Opera (huju opera) is based on the true story of Fan Jinshi, the honorary dean of Dunhuang Academy. Fan, who was brought up in Shanghai, was known for dedicating more than half a century studying and protecting the cultural heritage of Mogao Grottoes in the Gobi Desert. The opera features an interlacing of time and space to annotate characters' monologue, and adopts an innovative, minimalist stage setting that aims to create a new experience for traditional Shanghai Opera. Renowned Shanghai Opera performing artist Mao Shanyu heads the bill and plays the major character at different stages of her life. Daughter of Dunhuang will be presented at Majestic Theater on Oct 31.