DON’T miss the enthralling blend of history, art, mystery and cultural exploration in this upcoming stage play at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen this April.

“The Mysterious Notes of the British Museum,” a production by Mulan Culture in collaboration with Shanghai Theater Academy, promises an immersive experience filled with suspense and historical intrigue, shedding light on the fascinating tales of Chinese ancient treasures housed at the British Museum.

Audiences are invited to delve into the realm of relic guardianship, as the play follows the adventures of Xiaoyang, a Chinese high school student, during a visit to the British Museum in London with his father, a skilled relic restorer. Xiaoyang stumbles upon two mysterious girls, Baoyue and Ruyi, at the museum, and find themselves entwine in an international crisis revolving around a Blue and White Ruyi Ear Moon Vase.

Together they decipher ancient codes and reconstruct historical scenes, forging connections between Chinese and English cultures. They unlocks the emotional narratives behind these ancient artifacts, particularly highlighting the Litchi-patterned Blue-and-White Moon Flask from the Jingdezhen imperial kiln in Jiangxi Province during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynastry (1368-1644).

Audiences will have the chance to observe the intricate details of the blue-and-white moon flask through 3D holographic projections on stage, with the unfolding of the storyline. The performance seamlessly transitions between historical settings of the imperial kiln factory and the Victorian-era museum.

By showcasing the craftsmanship behind the blue-and-white moon flask, the play explores the cultural exchanges along the Maritime Silk Road during the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, highlighting the enriching dialogue between different cultures.

The production represents an aesthetic fusion of the East and the West, when English orchestral music blends with Chinese ancient zither tunes, and Ming Dynasty fashion intertwines with European styles.

Established in 1753 and officially opened to the public Jan. 15, 1759, the British Museum boasts a rich history as one of the world’s oldest museums. With a collection of more than 8 million artifacts and cultural relics, it is among the world’s four largest museums. However, due to space constraints, 99% of its collection remains hidden from public view.

Time: 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m., April 13

Venue: Bay Opera of Shenzhen, Bao’an District (深圳滨海艺术中心)

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit D(Claudia Wei)