Based on the roads to Shu with thousand years of history, the dance drama Shudao draws inspiration from historical legends and cultural rememberances such as the Five Strongmen who opened the road, Li Bing who tamed the waters, and Wen Weng who educated people of Shu. Through poetic dance language, it connects images of Bashu—including the mighty Jianmen Pass and the ancient Cuiyun Road—to reveal the cultural continuum of the roads to Shu as they bridge the past and present and link mountains and rivers. Guided by the theme “One ancient road to Shu, half the history of China,” the work uses expressive stage aesthetics and contemporary choreography to explore the profound significance of the roads to Shu as a symbol of civilizational exchange, cultural transmission, and national spirit. It is jointly produced by playwright Wang Yong, chief director and choreographer Tong Ruirui, and composer Guo Sida.
