After five years of construction, the enclosures around the National Grand Theater were removed on June 15, 2007, to give the public a clear view of the magnificent building. It is scheduled to see the first trial performance at the end of September.

Beijing's oval-shaped National Grand Theatre is scheduled to see its first trial performance at the end of September.

The Beijing Times reported on Tuesday the trial performances will only take place on September 25 at the opera house and drama hall, with the music hall not yet included.

The purpose of the trial is to test equipment from the two halls.

If any problems are found after the tests, the egg-shaped theater will close again for a general overhaul.

The trial performances will not open to the public. Enthusiasts can hope for a formal show at the end of this year.

Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the theater is located near Beijing's famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. It is tipped to become an important landmark in the capital.

(CRI.cn September 11, 2007)