A dance drama featuring Tibetans' struggle against British invaders a century ago and a drama about modern Tibetan entrepreneurs will start to be staged in the Chinese capital late this week, the Ministry of Culture said on Tuesday.

The week-long performances were especially arranged by the ministry to commemorate the 50th anniversary of democratic reform in the Tibet Autonomous Region, said Yu Ping, director of the ministry's Department of Arts.

The dance drama, "Red River Valley", is a love-and-hate story between serf owners and slaves, Tibetans and Han Chinese, and between locals and British troops who invaded Tibet, which is largely based on historical facts about one century ago.

The plot demonstrates patriotism and heroism of both Tibetan and Han Chinese who united to battle foreign invaders, Yu said. It would be presented by the Wuxi Song and Dance Ensemble.

Tashigang, a drama presented by the Tibet Theatrical Company, focused how a group of Tibetans farmers at a village called Tashigang use their entrepreneur spirit to operate a cattle farm. The plot is set on the backdrop of modern China's transformation into a market economy.

A song and dance gala presented by the Tibet Song and Dance Troupe will showcase the richness of Tibetan folk culture and performing arts, including songs, dances, and religious rituals.

China is preparing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the freeing of one million of serfs from serfdom after the central government foiled an armed rebellion staged by the Dalai Lama and his supporters with assistance from some Western powers in 1959.

The announcement was made on the eve of the traditional Tibetan New Year, which will be widely celebrated across Tibet, and Tibetan communities in neighboring provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2009)