Ever since the Cultural Revolution, Chinese musicals have been moulded on the so-called 'prototype works' that were approved by the authorities.
Politics aside, Chinese musicals today continue to follow these prototypes. Whether you enjoy this kind of musical would depend on how many you have seen and how often.
The Romance of Yangko, presented by China Society for Musical Studies and performed by the Jilin Municipal Song and Dance Troupe, is a good example of the old-style prototype.
Yangko is a Chinese dance style popular among the Han people of Northern China. This rural dance form evolved from songs sung by peasants and farmers while toiling in the fields. 'Yangko' literally means rice seedling song.
Written by playwright Wang Zheng, The Romance of Yangko is a tragic tale of love and sacrifice. The story is of a love affair between Jin Hudie (Gold Butterfly), Li Renxi and his childhood friend Bai Tian'e.
While Li falls in love with old flame Jin, his childhood sweetheart Bai Tian'e decides to declare her love for him.