THE 17th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF) Art Festival will kick off tomorrow to bring to the city 24 shows presented by more than 1,200 artists, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.

Themed “odes and tribute,” the art festival will run from now through August to stage performances by China’s well-known art groups and artists in music, dancing, drama, acrobatics, and conceptual art.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a series of performances that tell the stories of revolutionary heroes will be staged, including “The Eternal Wave,” a dance drama presented by Shanghai Dance Theater, “A Young Hero Named Wang Erxiao,” a Beijing opera show presented by Jingju Theater Company of Hebei, and “Battle on Shangganling Mountain,” a play presented by Tianjin People’s Art Theater.

Audiences will also find performances inspired by traditional Chinese culture and historical stories. Accompanied by the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, famous Chinese actors Zhang Guoli, Pu Cunxin and Zhang Tielinwill present a recital of poems from the Tang Dynasty (618-907)at Shenzhen Concert Hall on May 30.

Another highlight of the art festival is “2047 Apologue,” a conceptual performance directed by Chinese director Zhang Yimou. By integrating laser dance, Beijing opera, Khoomei singing, piano music, and many other elements, the show aims to create a brand-new art experience for the audience.

Local artists and art groups will also perform at the festival to convey “the voice of Shenzhen.” On June 30, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra will stage “An Ode to Heroes” composed by prestigious composer Ye Xiaogang. Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theater will give a chorus concert to honor the revolutionary heroes. Shenzhen Cantonese Opera Troupe will stage “Dongjiang Legend,” a Cantonese opera show that tells the story of the Dongjiang Guerrilla Column. Zuo Zhang, an internationally well-known pianist originally from Shenzhen, will also give a recital on June 6.

To bring more people into the theater,the show’s tickets are discounted 10 percent off the market price. (Lin Lin)