She ethnic group, a musical revealing their fascinating culture has just premiered at Beijing's Mei Lanfang Grand Theater. Some lucky audience members even got a chance to perform on stage.

She ethnic group, a musical revealing their fascinating culture has just premiered at Beijing's Mei Lanfang Grand Theater. Some lucky audience members even got a chance to perform on stage.

The musical "She Niang" takes the audience inside the culture of the She ethnic group.

The She people have a tradition of expressing themselves through songs. For them, it's a form of communication, one that's adapted into a musical now.

"We've decided to make a musical about the She people because they're known for their vibrant culture of singing and dancing, and the interactions between the performers and the audience," said Wang Xiaoying, Director of "She Niang".

All 40 actors in the show are from the She ethnic group and have never received professional musical training before.

"I use to do ethnic dance performances, and this is my first time doing a musical. I've tried really hard to work the music into my dance numbers," said a dancer.

She ethnic group, a musical revealing their fascinating culture has just premiered at Beijing's Mei Lanfang Grand Theater. Some lucky audience members even got a chance to perform on stage.

One of the highlight of the musical is a scene depicting the traditional singing festival of the She people which falls on the 3rd day of the third month in the traditional Chinese calendar.

On this day, the She people make a type of black rice in honor of their heroe Lei Wanxing, who led the She people to victory by breaking a siege against the royal army. 

"Through this musical I get to know the fascinating culture of the She ethnic group. It's been quite a unique experience," said an audience member.

As many as thirty five representatives from across the country will participate in this year's festival, and it will run until September 14.