Clever Lady Calms Troubled Waters

(The epic dance-drama 'Mazu' tells the legendary life story of 'Dragon Goddess,' the protector of Chinese fishermen. )

With the arrival of autumn, the Shanghai Grand Theatre schedule is packed with artistic events. Prominent among them is the dance-drama "Mazu," to be presented by the Nanjing-based Frontline Song and Dance Ensemble on September 26, 27 and 28.

Adapted from a folk tale in Southeast China's Fujian Province, the plot centres on a legendary figure in Fujian who fought against sea monsters and rescued a sea wreck. After her death at age 28, she was honoured as the "Dragon Goddess."

For centuries, Mazu has been worshiped as the protector of fishermen along China's southern coastline. Temples were built in her honour, where fishermen and their families pay regular homage and send sacrifices before the fishing seasons and during major events such as her birthday.

After 1,000 years of evolution, the story of Mazu has spread beyond Fujian throughout Southeast Asia.

According to Chen Huifen, director of the play, elements of the "nuo" drama are added to the play to give it a local flavour.

"Nuo is a kind of pop folk dance in Fujian, featuring masked dance," Chen said. "It gives an atmosphere of mystery to the play."

Premiered in 1999, the 90-minute dance is made up of seven parts: "Prelude," "Pregnancy of Heaven," "Ode to the Sea," "Bath," "Sobs of the Wind," "Singing of the Cloud" and "Great Joy."

Because of its artistic achievements, the dance-drama won gold in the Lotus Award contest in 2000.