Buddhist scholar brought to life in music and dance

Anew dance production presenting the life story of the Buddhist scholar Kumarajiva (343-413), one of the greatest Sanskrit-to-Chinese translators of Buddhist scriptures, will take to the stage in Shanghai on November 7.

- By ZHANG KUN

A scene from the dance production Qiici, which will premiere at the Shanghai Culture Square on November 7. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Qiuci, a highlight of the upcoming China Shanghai International Arts Festival, will hold its world premiere at the Shanghai Culture Square on that date and will run for three days.

Qiuci, or Kucha, located in the west of today's Kucha county in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, was a Silk Road kingdom that merged Eastern and Western cultures.

Kumarajiva, one of the most important figures who introduced Buddhism to China, was born there. His father was an Indian monk, and his mother was a member of the Qiuci royal family.