Epic horse show 'Troy' to premiere in Beijing

　　A scene from rehearsals of horse show Troy. [Photo/youth.cn]

　　With investments of nearly 300 million yuan ($45 million), horse show Troywill premiere at Beijing's National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, on Friday, after preparations of over three years.

　　Featuring 72 world-famous horses, Troyinserts animal performances into the storyline of Greek mythology The Trojan War.

　　"We use horses to tell the mythology. That means they are our actors," director Liu Xiao told China News Service.

　　Species including the Shire horse - the world's largest horse in size, which can dance to rhythms - and the small miniature horses will participate in the performance.

　　Actors for the show are selected from 12 countries in auditions spanning six months. The performing costumes will also recover the characteristics of ancient Greek clothing, designed by Italian fashion designer Simona Morresi.

　　A scene from the rehearsals. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

　　"The story features different epic characters including the Unicorn, Pegasus, the ancient Greek beauty Helen (the most beautiful woman of Greece and the indirect cause of the Trojan War) and the heroic figure Achilles," Liu said.

　　"Therefore, it's not only a performance of horses, nor a performance of humans, but a combination of both."

　　In addition, high technologies, including eight Imax projectors, will be used to enhance the performance effects.

　　The Trojan War recounts the legendary 10-year conflict between Greece and Troy over a beautiful woman named Helen. The war has become one of the most important events in Greek mythology and has been narrated through many works of Greek literature.

　　Lily Lei contributed to this story.