Details

Founded in 1959, based on the finest traditions of Russian classical dance, it has become renowned both for its outstanding productions of the traditional classics and for its inspired blending of Chinese culture and history with classical western elements. Raise the Red Lantern is the haunting tale of a concubine, sold by her mother into a stifling world of jealousy and resentment. Her love for an opera actor and the jealousy of a rival concubine lead to tragic consequences as the women compete for the raised red lantern which signals they are favoured by their master. The piece consists of 70 dancers incorporating the rich heritage of Chinese classical and folk dance into ballet. The dramatic atmosphere is enhanced by an orchestra of 70 musicans using both Western and traditional Chinese instruments. Zhang Yimou's 1991 film adaptation of Su Tong's novel won a British Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

Creatives/Company

Producer(s): Sadler's Wells, Asia House
Book by: Su Tong
Adapted by: Zhang Yimou
Choreographer: Wang Xinpeng