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The Golden Mask Dynasty Offers a Visual Feast in Beijing

A grand original Chinese play, The Golden Mask Dynasty has been a visual feast for audiences in the OCT Theater in Beijing Happy Valley since August 16.

This play was sponsored by Overseas Chinese Town (OCT), which invested 200 million yuan (US$28.6 million) in building the OCT Theater for special use of this play.

Set in the Golden Mask Dynasty, a legendary age in ancient China, this story tells how a queen, who wears a golden mask, creates a splendid dynasty with wisdom, tolerance, trust and boundless love.

In eight acts it tells stories of war, rich fields, forging work, ceremonies, the moon, floods, fetes and illusions.

More than 200 actors from across China and from abroad have roles in the play, which portrays the deep meaning of Chinese civilization.

Jointly produced by some of China's top playwrights, directors and designers, the play is an original Chinese show featuring Chinese dances, acrobatics, clothing and top quality artistic lighting and acoustics.

The OCT Theater's mechanical system is special. It is the first theatre in China that uses sounds on all sides inside. A skilful use of light and shadows gives audiences a feeling of living between dreams and reality. The techniques used in the system are the most advanced in china.