The theme of the annual New Year gala show this year will be changed from celebration to a reflection on the recent snowstorm crisis, becoming a fund-raiser for restoration work after the ravages of the weather. The show, broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV), will include a six-minute poem recital and songs from 100 mainland artists. Movie star Zhang Ziyi and director Zhang Yimou are set to make an appearance. 'The ice-and-snow disaster is hogging most of the headlines in the news and we will definitely put it in this year's gala,' Xinhua quoted Zhu Tong, the director of CCTV's art department, as saying. 'We will use poems and singing, with background video footage of people combating the snow to demonstrate the high level of attention and caring of the Chinese authorities, the efforts of local governments and the military and the touching story of a supportive society.' CCTV's annual gala has dominated Lunar New Year's Eve entertainment for two decades since its debut in 1987. Last year, the four-hour television event attracted 1.3 billion viewers worldwide. CCTV said last week it had sent reporters and editors to snow-hit regions to collect first-hand material for heart-warming stories of triumph over disaster. The programme will be broadcast tonight.
