Sichuan play on old order now in Beijing

Wooden chairs are used in Family as set designs that actors dance with.

"The theme of the novel is timeless, which appeals to contemporary audiences since the young generation shares the roles' confusion over life and love," says He.

As a director who has staged Sichuan-themed dance dramas, including Sichuan Girls and Sichuan Teahouse, He continues his usual style of employing elements of Sichuan culture like the local opera and architecture.

Wooden chairs are used as impressive set designs in the drama. Actors dance with chairs, an act which, the director says, is a symbol of the darkness, suffocation and tragic love in the story.

"One of the main roles in the drama is that of grandfather Gao, representing the old power and rigid tradition. Throughout the work, the actor's back faces the audience, and he doesn't turn around until the end of the drama, which is a highlight of the choreography," says He.

"I have been living in Chengdu for decades," he adds, "and besides giving Ba Jin's novel a different interpretation, I also want the audience to better understand the local culture through the dance drama."

If you go

7:30 pm, July 27 and 28. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.