Scene One: The Sun

The theme of the first scene centers on the drum. Yunnan boasts the most drum tales in China, where the drum is not only perceived as a musical instrument, but also as a totem. It symbolizes the matrix or female. Drums can be made of leather, stone, copper and wood. Different ethnic groups categorize drums as Sun, Manggu, Reba and Dabei drums. The Va Ethnic Group has "male" and "female" wooden drums and a sacrificial ceremony usually precedes the making of a drum.

The Sun drum is the most sacred instrument for the Jino people of Xishuangbanna. According to legend, the drum once saved the lives of Jino ancestors. The Sun drum dance is the most representative dance of the Jino people, and the drum can only be played on important occasions.

The Hani people beat the Manggu drum to speak to god. It is believed that the Manggu Dance can drive away evil and guarantee a good harvest.

As its name suggests, the Elephant-foot drum resembles the foot of elephant and it can be found in Dehong, Xishuangbanna in Yunnan. The Elephant-foot Drum Dance of the Dai people is usually performed during celebrations or when meeting guests.

The Devine drum is popular in Luchun County, Yunnan Province . But there is only one woman who can master all 24 playing methods used on a wide range of occasions, including sacrifices, procreation, harvest, marriage and other social ceremonies.