Past masters

She thinks Fu Hsi was not born a king, but through disaster he became one. "Like today, when we are facing problems or disasters, or even a pandemic, it's a chance for us to learn and improve ourselves," she says.

The close proximity of the actors and audience is one highlight of the show as each breath of the actor can be noted by the audience.

Cong says the key for the performances of the actors is believing in his or her character so that they can immerse the audience in the show.

The show's premiere also marked the opening of the Tianshui Grand Theater.

The theater, which took two years to build and can host an audience of 1,200, was designed by Zhu Xiaodi, former president of Beijing Institute of Architectural Design especially for the show.

The design of the theater is inspired by Maiji Mountain and the mountains around the theater.

There are many mechanical devices set in the theater including 3-D image devices and a huge movable screen to help create an immersive experience for the audience.

The combination of art and technology is another highlight of the show. Cong says technology is just a tool to present the 8,000-year-history of Tianshui, and she thinks the history is the most touching element of the show.