Modern dance has been known for its variety of topics. On Monday night, two performers from the Beijing Modern Dance Company went between the sheets to tackle a whole new issue. They staged an experimental production called Bed Play, using body language to describe the everyday lives of a husband and wife.

The reason for the play's unusual name is that the stage is one huge bed, on which the couple stage their daily activities, from getting up to going to bed.

The dancers say they want to depict a simple but happy married life, consisting of a few rows, a bit of humor and lots of love.

Dancer Ma Bo says: "Many movies and novels describe the conflicts that occur within a couple. We found it hard to understand because we have a really simple but happy life together. We want to express this feeling in our dance."

Her husband Li Hanzhong, who is also the choreographer of the play, has retired from the stage for four years because of knee injuries. He picked up training several months ago in order to join his wife in their experimental project. He says they don't expect the play to appeal to everyone because it's really personal, but they hope it will prompt them to think more about their daily life and enjoy it.

(CCTV.com September 10, 2003)