The Flame, a musical performance by students and teachers at Beijing City International School to celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games in this May 29 file photo. [China Daily]
When a dancer holding a fire caldron entered the stage and lit an Olympic torch, hundreds of students cheered as flame stolen by Zeus was returned.
It was the finale of The Flame, a musical play by students and teachers from the Beijing City International School (BCIS) on May 29 to celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games.
More than 300 students from grades 2 to 10 took part in the performance that told a story of saving the Olympic flame.
"The torch relay over the past few months inspired me to write this script," said Philip Clarke, upper school drama teacher and head of the arts department. "It reflects the staff and students' understanding and respect for the eternal flame that carries the Olympic spirit."
The story is about saving the flame. Its heroes take on quest across the world from ancient Greece to China looking for the spark that can rekindle the flame. All seems lost when a team of friendly Fuwa - Chinese for "lucky children" and mascots of the 2008 Games - comes to the rescue and gets the heroes back on the right track.
The performance started unexpectedly.
"Shhhh, Shhhh," said a stage hand, who asked the performers and audience to be quiet, and then performed vocal and body percussion to warm them up. Everyone was then asked to be quiet and not awaken Zeus.
Greek legend says that Zeus is the god who can take fire back from humans for the mistakes they have made.
More than 500 teachers, students and parents sitting in the open air of the school's sunken plaza immediately became attentive.
"The torch flame symbolizes peace. It invites all the nations of the world to celebrate the Olympic Games with us," said a Chinese student playing the role of Mayor Liu.
Students of different nationalities played roles ranging from officials at the torch lighting ceremony, detectives searching for the flame, marathon runners, spectators flying to Beijing to watch the Games, Fuwa friends and ancient Greek gods.
While the musical was in English, a BCIS student from Greece read a message from the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Students also performed a chorus of the popular Chinese song "The Same Song".
The musical had many funny and chaotic scenes.
In one, a group of detectives wearing white shirts, black pants and magnifying glasses were madly searching for clues. In another, a group of passengers carrying all kinds of baggage were complaining about delays at the airport. Fuwas then turned up on stage - but were sad to be without Huanhuan, who was missing!
Some parts were thought provoking. When detectives arrived in Athens they asked for help from a Chinese musician, a role played by a female student in grade 10.
The musician quoted Confucius to enlighten the detectives to think about possible clues. Soft music from the ancient Guzheng - Chinese table harp - played by students soothed the audience.
"Since the Games are to be held in China, I wanted to add some Chinese elements and give people a chance to appreciate Chinese culture," explained Clarke.
As one of the first Chinese-invested international schools, BCIS values its role as a showcase of Chinese traditional culture.
"Traditional-style cultural classes and closer links with the local community provide BCIS students with more opportunities to enhance their learning experience in China," said Ingrid O'Brien, development director of the school.
Supported by songs, drumming, dances, fireworks and spectacular stunts, the performance attracted many parents.
A female teacher of acrobatics at the school showed breathtaking skills with fire ropes. Lulu Shih, a 5-year-old BCIS student excitingly called out each of the five Fuwas' names when they approached her.
"This evening's production says much about the kind of school we are. It is bright and lively," said Nick Bowley, the school's interim head.
"Its success is a result of a great deal of hard work and collaboration. It is based upon an ideal - as befits an Olympic education model school."
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