Forbidden ditties

There are humans who long for immortality, and then there are fairy snakes who long to experience mortal love.

The well-known legend of Madame White Snake, a classic story of forbidden affection between mortal and immortal lovers, comes to life on stage tonight and tomorrow at the National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing's lavish new theater complex.

Bai Suzhen, the White Snake, has practiced Buddhism for thousands of years and can metamorphose into a beautiful woman. She falls in love with a young man named Xu Xian at the Broken Bridge on West Lake and wants to marry him.