“War Horse” Joey coming to Spring Festival Gala

World Today

The CCTV Spring Festival Gala will be held on the eve of the Lunar New Year, February 7th. It’s the biggest TV variety show in China.

For this year’s Gala, there is a treat in store with the arrival of English farm boy Albert and his beloved horse Joey. They are the stars of the stage play which opened in China in September to great acclaim.

CCTV’s Abdel Laroy reports.

Joey is one of the most enduring examples of theatrical magic ever created. It is an assembly of steel and leather that, in the hands of three puppeteers, seemingly becomes a living, breathing entity with a heart and soul.

The cast for the Chinese version of “War Horse” were selected from 1500 applicants. They spent a year and a half practising, including puppetry skills and physical training.

Every detail of a horse’s behavior is reproduced according to a manual created by London’s National Theatre, which originated the production.

Performers have also had plenty of time to observe and listen to horses directly.

“War Horse” is adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 children’s novel of the same name, set during World War I.

Steven Spielberg’s movie version was released in 2011.