Irish musical and dance production “Lord of the Dance” will be staged at Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center this weekend.

Irish-American dancer Michael Flatley found his first fame starring in “Riverdance,” but he left the show in late 1995 due to conflicts over creative control. He dreamed of and put into action a plan of putting together a dance show capable of playing in arenas and stadiums instead of traditional theaters. Later on, Flatley soon began thinking of rhythm patterns and steps for an a cappella number. This number would later become “Planet Ireland,” the show’s finale. The show took six months to produce from conception to the stage.

The story follows the character Lord of the Dance and his fight against the evil dark lord Don Dorcha from taking over Planet Ireland. Lord of the Dance defeats the dark lord’s invasion with help from a little spirit. There is also a story with a “love versus lust” theme expressed through dance throughout the show. Saoirse, the Irish Cailín, fights for the love of the Lord of the Dance against the wicked Morrighan the Temptress. The stories are based on ancient Irish folklore and some Biblical references; the title itself, along with the central musical theme, is taken from a contemporary hymn.

In March 1997, “Lord of the Dance” was performed at the Oscars. That November, Lord of the Dance expanded operations by forming several troupes of dancers which would tour North America and Europe. Flatley signed a contract with Disney for “Lord of the Dance” to perform at Epcot in Walt Disney World in the summer of 1999 and “Lord of the Dance” was asked back the following summer in 2000. There are currently two troupes of “Lord of the Dance” productions touring the world.

Time: 8 p.m., May 19-20; May 20 also at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: 180-880 yuan

Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center, 2106 Nanshan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区南山大道2106号南山文体中心)

Metro: Line 1 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B(SD News)