The Caracalla Dance Theater of Lebanon will bring its brilliant Arabian dance-drama Two Thousand and One Nights to the Beijing Exhibition Theater from January 2 to 4, 2005.

Aside from the spectacle of the work itself, the event is significant for a couple of reasons: it will be the first performance ever for the troupe in China, and the last time the piece appears on any stage, after more than 1,000 performances since its creation in 2001.

Two Thousand and One Nights is a modern-day version of the classic One Thousand and One Nights, or Arabian Nights. With unique choreography, majestic sets and luxurious costumes, it presents the classic tales of Scheherazade, who saved the lives of the young girls in her kingdom by enchanting the vengeful Sultan with her 1,001-night story.

The Caracella Dance Theater's seven-act rendition presents the tale through ballet and modern dance as well as Arabian folk dance.

The troupe, created in 1970 by Abdel-Halim Caracalla, is renowned as a fusion of East and West. Caracalla -- a direct descendant of the third-century Roman emperor of the same name -- has been dubbed "King Caracalla" in Europe. He won the Said Aki award for Best Artist of the Year in 1973, and was honored by the late King Hussein of Jordan for his ballet, The Black Tents of Arabia, in 1977.

The Caracalla Dance Theatre has never released a single audio or video product in its 34-year history, firm in the belief that its art can only be properly appreciated when it is seen live.

After the three performances in Beijing, Two Thousand and One Nights will bid farewell to the stage forever.

Performance Details:

Dates: Jan. 2–4, 7:30 PM

Venue: Beijing Exhibition Theater

Ticket Prices: 180–1,680 yuan

Booking: 6835 1383; 6417 7845

(China.org.cn by Chen Lin, December 5, 2004)