Groovy islands

Yang Liping's new dance drama draws inspiration from the natural beauty and local culture of Pingtan, Chen Nan reports.

At first two men are seen beating large drums on a stage. A group of female performers in heavy costumes and makeup then walk in, singing Hakka folk songs in pitches much higher than those of sopranos in Western bel canto.

Next, more men, wearing black wooden masks decorated with red feathers, enter the arena and dance in praise of the ocean gods.