Inspired by the ancient Chinese compilation of early myths of the same title, which was first transcribed in 4th century B.C, these mythological stories have become part of Chinese written and oral history, shifted and reshaped to match contemporary times. Book of Mountains & Seas is a 21st-century adaptation and expansion of four of these tales by composer Huang Ruo, director/puppetry artist Basil Twist, and music director Paul Hillier.