This show, about the glories of ancient nomadic empire, comes galloping from Mongolia like a magnificently over-the-top Cultural Olympiad. Set more than 2,000 years ago, before Genghis Khan’s almighty reign on the central Asian steppe, it begins with two exquisite dancing foxes and expands to a formidable 70-plus cast of singers, dancers, acrobats and contortionists who dazzle even if the story itself is ponderous.
Adapted from a three-act tragedy by Lkhagvasuren Bavuu, it follows the fictional story of Archug Khan (Erdenebileg Ganbold). King of the Hunnus, or Huns, he is caught in a succession dilemma when his wife (Uranchimeg Urtnasan) and his consort (Dulguun Odkhuu) each give birth to a future heir. This sets off a drama of betrayal, adultery and the switching of two babies in a bid for the throne.
