On Sunday 27th January 2013, at the Linbury Theatre (Royal Opera House, London) a performance was enacted of the Golden Journey – a dramatised history of the Silk Road – in aid of the Wild Camel Protection Foundation. It was presented in front of a full house, who experienced beautifully narrated historical dramas relating how silk was smuggled out of China and the incredible real life stories of Xuan Zang, Ghengis Khan, Kubla Khan and Marco Polo.
The finale recounted the story of the WCPF’s mission to save the critically endangered wild camel from extinction and some of John Hare’s hazardous adventures in the Chinese Gobi, which culminated in the establishment of the Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang Province, China.
However, the real stars of the evening were the Countess of Chichester’s two Bactrian camels, Therese and Temujin who had travelled all the way from Salisbury and stole the show with their impeccable on-stage behaviour. A full house thoroughly appreciated the production, which was devised and written by the Countess of Chichester, (WCPF patron), who was the source and inspiration behind the evening’s great success. The co-producer was the highly efficient Danny Wyler.
The many distinguished narrators and actors, the dancers, musicians, the production staff and all the stage hands gave their time and effort completely free. Rio Tinto, whose ethical mining policy is supporting wildlife and environmental protection both in Mongolia and China, generously co-sponsored the production. The evening, which included a Chinese banquet, was a great success and raised much needed funds for the WCPF.
WCPF sends a huge vote of thanks to all who were involved.
