The Chinese original musical I Am What I Am, adapted from the film of the same name based on the centuries-old folk art of lion dance, is set to premiere at the Guangzhou Opera House from January 11 to 14, 2024.
On the afternoon of December 27, a press conference was held at the Guangzhou Opera House to brief the media on the latest updates in the musical, releasing three posters and three songs.
The musical boasts a talented cast. Veteran Hong Kong actor-singer Jordan Chan will act in the musical, marking his debut in this genre of performing arts on the Chinese mainland. Chan joined the musical workshop in October to prepare for his role as Xian Yuqiang, a retired lion dance master.
Singaporean singer Kit Chan will also play a key role in the musical — A Zhen, a straightforward but warm person who encourages and supports the teenagers to fulfill their lion dance dream.
Three young musical performers, Fang Shujian, Guo Hongxu, and Chen Keming, will star as the protagonist A Juan, a left-behind child in a rural area who wants to reshape his destiny by learning lion dance.
The musical will feature about 20 original songs of different genres, such as traditional drum music, pop music, rock and roll, local operas, folk songs, and flamenco.
In addition, the musical will be presented with changes in space, light and shadow, as well as multimedia projection, highlighting the lion dance performances with various stage presences.
"I Am What I Am" is an animated feature about three teenagers who try to reshape their destiny by learning China's traditional lion dance. Released at the end of 2021, the movie has received widespread public acclaim for its innovative storytelling technique.
Lion dance, a folk art belonging to China's intangible cultural heritage, is popular not only in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also in overseas Chinese communities. It is considered a tradition with far-reaching cultural value.
Time: 19:30, January 11 to 12, 2024; 14:30 & 19:30, January 13 to 14, 2024
Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House (廣州大劇院歌劇廳)
Ticket prices: RMB 180, 280, 480, 680, 780, 980
Language: Chinese (with subtitles of song lyrics)
Nearest metro station: Take Metro Line 3 or 5, get off at the Zhujiang New Town Station, and then use Exit C.
Note: One ticket per person. Children under 1.2 meters are not permitted.
Where to buy tickets: Search WeChat official account "廣州大劇院 (pinyin: guang zhou da ju yuan)" or scan the QR code below to purchase the ticket.
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