The Shannxi Provincial Song and Dance Troupe performs dance drama Silk Road in Xi'an in January. Photo: Courtesy of Dongfang Nuan

Original dance drama Silk Road, performed by the Shannxi Provincial Song and Dance Troupe, is set to make its Beijing debut at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on April 22 and 23. 

The performance is the first attempt by the troupe to choreograph a drama which interprets the glorious past of the ancient Silk Road. 

Directed by Yang Wei, the drama centers around the "road" and the deepening relationship merchants and travelers developed with it as they traveled along its course.

According to Yang, the show uses seven archetypes such as a traveler, a guard and a messenger to present the stories that took place along this historic route. Not limited by space or time, the drama creatively introduces various ways for these figures to appear on stage. 

The troupe's first shows in Xi'an, capital of Shannxi Province, in January were well received by local fans.

According to troupe representatives, the dance drama will return to Xi'an for the 11th China Art Festival in October.