An excerpt from a dance drama depicting the civilizations of the ancient Silk Road was showcased during the launch event of the inaugural Greater Bay Area International Theatre Festival in Hong Kong on Thursday.

The dance drama, titled Qiuci (also known as Kucha), is based on a major ancient kingdom and a vital cultural and commercial hub located along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road, situated in the area of modern-day Kuqa county in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The performance, by dancers from the Xinjiang Art Theatre Song and Dance Troupe, was highlighted during the launch event alongside Hong Kong Ballet’s original work, Dunhuang: Tracing the Light.

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The festival was jointly organized by Bauhinia Culture Group, China Arts and Entertainment Group and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

China Daily’s Andy Chong took the photos on Thursday.