What's on

Into the White Night

When: Dec 14, 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Dec 15, 7:30 pm

Where: Shenzhen Poly Theater

Based on the mystery novel Byakuyako by Japanese author Keigo Higashino, musical Into the White Night is about an unsolved death, which puzzles a police detective.

The dead man's family and circle of friends may provide answers for the detective who continues to investigate.

Inala

When: Dec 15-17, 7:30 pm

Where: Wuhan Qintai Grand Theater

Described as a Zulu ballet, Inala combines the soulful sound of Zulu choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo with ballet, contemporary and African dance.

The cross-cultural intention is undoubtedly sincere: the production was born of composer and producer Ella Spira's "passion for and love of African music".

Inala translates as an abundance of goodwill in Zulu. The spirit of South Africa is present from the moment the curtain rises.

The musicians are silhouetted against a sandy orange backdrop that matches the simple browns, blues and greens of the tribal-like attire worn by the choir.

Still Life with Chickens

When: Dec 18-21, 7:30 pm; Dec 22, 2:30 pm

Where: Shanghai Grand Theater

Award-winning playwright D.F. Mamea's slice-of-life story paints a vivid portrait of a local neighborhood and colorful characters.

When the mother discovers a mischievous chicken invading her garden her first instinct is to reach for the spade. But what starts out as a skirmish develops into an unlikely friendship. It is an intimate, heartwarming and funny play about friendship, loss, love and life.

Still Life with Chickens won the Adam NZ play award in 2017 and the Playmarket Best Play the same year.

Carmen

When: Dec 24, 7:30 pm

Where: Mei Lanfang Theater, Beijing

Established in 1985, the Spanish Ballet of Murcia has performed in countless theaters and taken part in arts festivals the world over. The company has always had its own identity and engages in various forms of Spanish dance, including Flamenco.

Its dance adaptation of the classic opera Carmen has won awards for choreography, stage effects and the skill of its dancers.

Carmen, written in 1847 by French composer Georges Bizet, is one of the most-performed operas in the world.

An Ode to Time

When: Jan 1-3, 7:30 pm

Where: National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing

An Ode to Time is a flamenco about the present and dialogue with memory. Spanish choreographer Maria Pages raises an ethical and artistic reflection on "the now".

Accompanied by eight dancers and seven musicians, Pages explores traditional Spanish culture. In a script that goes beyond flamenco, the rhythm in An Ode to Time is precisely the one that reflects a changing condition.

The constant tension between the individual and the community, the circle and the straight line, the argument and the abstraction, silence and percussion is highlighted.

Dynamic Yunnan

When: Jan 10-12, 7:30 pm

Where: National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing

Dynamic Yunnan is unique in many ways. Choreographed by Yang Liping, it is a fusion of traditional ethnic folk dance, music and modern choreography.

Though there is no single storyline, the performers draw from Yunnan province's rich legends and cultural traditions to express the struggles and aspirations of the human condition.

The dance is an attempt to create a living museum where such traditions can live on for future generation. It is a masterpiece of artistic work that marks the character of Yunnan.

Spring Awakening

When: Jan 10-18, 7:30 pm; Jan 11, 12 and 18, 2 pm

Where: Shanghai Culture Square

Spring Awakening, the 2006 emotionally powerful, sexually frank and Tony-winning musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, has been staged around the world and is heading to China. The staging is directed and choreographed by Spencer Liff, who choreographed the acclaimed 2015 Broadway revival of Spring Awakening.

Liff directs and choreographs with an entirely Chinese cast which speaks in Chinese and sings in English.

The musical is a modern landmark in the theater of the United States; an explicit tale of 19th century German teenagers coming to grips with their sexuality, both straight and gay. Sater's lyrics and book deals head-on with such controversial topics as abortion and suicide.

The Lion King

When: Feb 19, 7:30 pm

Where: Wuhan Qintai Grand Theater

A stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands.

Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires.

When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba's wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father's life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind.

Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew.

But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.