On the 21st December, Liuzhou Song and Dance Troupe were awarded 4th prize in the China National 2003-2004 Stagecraft Competition for their production of "Ba Gui Da Ge."  See below.

23rd December 2004

A few years ago, I was at a long, dull meeting in Liuzhou and really looking forward to getting it over with and going home. Of course, first I had to go to a banquet. I was getting more and more grumpy, when my hosts announced that we were now all going to the Arts Centre in Liuzhou Square "to appreciate the performance." I was in no mood to sit through yet another interminable Chinese concert. However, there didn't seem to be any way out, short of offending everyone. So, I was dragged off. 

I slumped miserably in my seat and waited for the torture to commence. The curtains opened and I was initially surprised to see that the stage actually held scenery. It seemed to be some kind of mountain scene. Music started playing very softly, and strangest of all, the audience were silent.

As the evening continued, I rose slowly in my seat until I was sitting on the edge, straining to work out what was going on. To my immense surprise, I was enjoying this.

What I was watching was one of the rare performances of the Liuzhou Dance and Song Troupe's show, , which means White Lotus.

This is based on a local legend of a girl, Bai Lian, who was born into a poor family, but was a beautiful singer. She was sold as a wife to a dull shopkeeper. Every night, when her husband fell asleep, the girl would sing songs in the night, which were echoed by the beautiful voice of the mountain ghost. Inevitably, she fell in love with the ghost, and they consummated their passion in song. The villagers were suitable outraged and finally the lovers died under the villagers' burning sticks. From then on, every day at sunset, two rosy clouds rose in the far off horizon...

Since then they have developed a new show, which is comprised of two song and dance cycles illustrating the themes of "Labor" and "Love" among the Guangxi minorities. It is equally colourful and spectacular and consists of songs and dances inspired by the folk music and dancing of the local Miao, Zhuang, Yao and Dong minorities.

The troupe has travelled to more than 80 cities in mainland China, as well as to the United States, Switzerland, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. They have also visited Italy to represent China in an international folk music festival.

Should the troupe be appearing when you are in Liuzhou (a rare occurrence), and I will let everyone know if I hear anything, I do strongly recommend it to anyone. 'Musicals' are decidedly not my usual cup of tea; I'm more of a Delta Blues fan, but I would love to see it again.

Finally, there is a CD of Bailian available, but as yet, no video version. There is a DVD of BaGui Dage available here.

The preface and all 30 songs from the two song-cycles, 'Labor' and "Love" can be seen on Youtube, here.

More pictures from BaGui DaGe here.