Shanxi performance honors China's liberation

Zhang Jigang always has innovation on mind for stage productions, and "Liberation" is the latest example. A love story during the revolutionary period is being interpreted through the unique style of Shanxi folk performances. Here's a closer look from its stage in the province's capital, Taiyuan.

For women in China, liberation began with one step.

Xiaoxiao is a woman who fights against the feudal traditions of foot binding, even before the country is liberated in 1949. But the independent-minded girl trades her beliefs for love, fearing her "Big" feet would disgrace her lover Liang liang who leaves his hometown to make a living.

The play takes its most exciting turn after Liang comes back with a pair of normal shoes for his sweetheart, whose feet have undergone binding. It's a start of a new life that is filled with tears and joy.

Wei Huiyuan, stage director of "Liberation", said, "The most difficult part is how the 80 dancers perform, only depending on their feet. Choreographers show and explain how to move each toe during the dances and every step is matched to the rhythm and emotion of the music. "

Shanxi's folk song and dance traditions are extensively mixed into the stage drama. Since its debut in Beijing at the National Center for the Performing Arts on September 1st, "Liberation" has staged 30 performances throughout the country.