The Zhengzhou Singing and Dancing Ensemble of Henan Province will stage a musical, "Shaolin in the Wind," showcasing the grace and power of kung fu, in the city today and tomorrow.

The musical, which will be part of the Second China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF), tells the story of a man who avenges the death of his wife with the help of Shaolin monks. It features more than 80 monks and other professional dancers from Henan.

With a total investment of 20 million yuan (US$2.5 million), the play spares no expense on its sets, using props like a giant Buddha head, marble stone lions and portable archways.

With exciting kung fu performances and a gripping plot, the musical has been highly praised at home and abroad since its premiere in May 2005. According to Qi Anqing, chief of Zhengzhou¡¯s culture bureau, the musical will begin its American tour in September this year and perform 800 shows in two years across that country. Performance companies from South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Thailand have also invited the musical to be staged in their countries.

Editor: Donald