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Adapted from Ming Dynasty playwright TANG Xianzu’s 55-scene masterpiece The Peony Pavilion: The Return of the Soul, this dance drama is co-presented by Suzhou Cultural Investment and Development Group and He Sheng Dance Theatre.
Respecting the original text while applying a contemporary perspective, the narrative unfolds in two parts: “The Dream Scroll” and “The Painting Scroll”, condensing the original into a narrative featuring six core characters: DU Liniang, LIU Mengmei, Chunxiang, the Flower Fairy, CHEN Zuiliang, and the Infernal Judge. It follows the romance between DU Liniang, daughter of the Nan’an Prefect, and LIU Mengmei, a scholar from Lingnan—a love that transcends life and death. The former follows DU Liniang as she steps out of her boudoir, discovers spring’s beauty, meets LIU Mengmei in a dream, and ultimately dies of heartbreak after fruitlessly chasing that vision. The latter traces LIU Mengmei’s arrival as he finds Liniang’s portrait and calls out to his fated lover. Bound by their ultimate devotion, the two transcend the boundaries of life and death, culminating in Liniang’s resurrection.
The staging embraces the minimalist elegance of liubai (leaving blank), using the iconic “white walls and golden bricks” of Suzhou gardens as its core visual motifs to create a poetic space of Eastern aesthetics. A 3.5-meter thrust stage extension symbolizing the Peony Pavilion extends directly into the auditorium. This breaks the traditional proscenium stage, bringing the lovers’ dream encounter right before the audience for an immersive experience. The dancers’ costumes feature a palette of muted tones and elegant gradients, deeply integrating the aesthetics of the Southern Song Dynasty. The stage is cloaked in theatrical mist that flows alongside the dancers’ movements, delivering a theatrical experience where dream and reality blur.
Choreographers: LI Xing, HUANG Jiayuan
Lead Dancers: HU Jie, LUO Yiwen, ZHANG Yin, HUANG Huihui, WANG Shengxi, MA Chi, LI Zheng, JIANG Qi’an, PEI Zixing, SUN Can, WU Yucheng, NI Yingying, YANG Wenyi
Guest Dancers: LI Qian, YU Jianwei
Performed by Suzhou Song and Dance Theatre
The Peony Pavilion - Dream
DU Liniang, the daughter of the Prefect of Nan’an, learns etiquette in her private classroom, drowsy with spring languor by the window.
One day, drawn by the Flower Goddess, she wanders into the rear garden, where she sees splendid spring scenery, which is, however, neglected, with brilliant purples and reds left to wither behind crumbling walls.
Distressed in spring, she returns and falls into a dream, where she meets a young scholar holding a willow branch. Touched by stirrings of love, they share an intimate union in the Peony Pavilion.
Waking from the dream, she searches in vain for traces of him, with all lost to a fleeting dream.
With no hope of reunion, she draws her own portrait under a plum tree, then passing away below the Mid-Autumn moon.
What is hidden behind the dream is a stirring infatuation and an unyielding conviction.
Then, she opens her eyes for the first time to a clear awareness of “self”.
She steps freely into the destiny she has chosen - this is what it means to be truly human.
The Peony Pavilion - Portrait
LIU Mengmei, a young scholar from the Lingnan region, journeys to the capital for the imperial examinations. Rescued from a drowning accident, he takes a lodging in the DU house.
In the Peony Pavilion, he chances upon Liniang’s portrait under the guidance of the Flower Goddess.
At midnight, as he calls out softly, a female figure appears - she reveals herself as a visitor from the underworld. Their eyes meet, with love blossoming between the living and the dead.
In the City of the Unjustly Dead, the judge makes a judgment, with flowers gathering in circles and ghosts assembling in throngs.
Her devotion moves heaven and earth while he unfurls the scroll and rushes to meet her.
How can I recognize you among a thousand portraits?
Even if I can, I must then push through the crowd and cross mountains to hold your hand and look into your eyes.
Fortunately, I am brave, and you believe in me.
What can finally pierce through human indifference? - Could it be, simply, love?
*Please purchase tickets through authorized channels to avoid counterfeiting. Before completing your purchase, please verify the performance date, time, venue, and seat number carefully. Performance tickets are time-sensitive and limited in availability. Once a transaction has been completed, tickets are non-exchangeable, non-refundable and cannot be reissued if lost. Please double-check all ticketing details and securely retain your physical ticket or electronic order. If you are unable to attend due to personal reasons, please make your own arrangements regarding the use of your tickets. We appreciate your understanding as any inconvenience caused.
*The cast, programme, or other performance details are subject to change and shall be based on the live performance. In the event of major adjustments - such as changes to the performance date or lead cast - please refer to the official announcements issued by the NCPA and follow the relevant procedures as instructed.
*The NCPA opens 90 minutes before performances, and 60 minutes before art education lectures and similar events. Auditorium entry begins 45 minutes before performances. For all performances and events, the Northern entrance serves as the sole public entrance. Please ensure that ticket scanning and security screening are completed prior to entry, and allow sufficient time to avoid delays.
*Tickets must be retained in their original, intact condition. Admission will be denied for tickets lacking a stub, or bearing any alterations, obscured information, or defacement. Each ticket is valid for a single entry on the date of the performance. For certain performances, presentation of original valid identification documents is required. Admission will be granted only when the ticket information corresponds with the presented identification.
*Recommended admission height: 1.2 meters and above. Special provisions may apply to certain performances or events, as indicated on the corresponding ticketing page.
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*For safety and hygiene reasons, the NCPA does not provide storage services for food, beverages, or similar items. The following items are not permitted inside the NCPA: food and drinks, flags & banners, electronic cigarettes, power banks exceeding 20000mAh, flowers, recording or photography equipment, and oversized luggage.
*Attendees are requested to address appropriately. Admissions will be denied to individuals who are improperly attired or under the influence of alcohol.
*If you are late, please wait quietly in the audience waiting area. Entry will be permitted under the guidance of ushers during appropriate intermissions or between movements, and you are requested to take the nearest available seat with minimal disturbance. For concerts consisting of a single piece - either for the entire performance or a complete half - late arrivals and audience who leave midway will not be admitted.
*All attendees are requested to observe proper performance etiquette. Please keep quiet and remain seated throughout the entire performance. Mobile phones should be turned off or set to silent mode, and calls should not be made in the auditorium. Photography, audio, or video recording of the performance is strictly prohibited without prior permission. The use of flashlights, including phone flashlights, is not allowed.
* After the performance, please exit the auditoriums in an orderly manner. Loitering is discouraged.
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