Australian Exclusive: National Ballet of China – The Peony Pavilion

National Ballet of China will bring its greatest love story to Melbourne in March. Described as China’s Romeo and Juliet, The Peony Pavilion will be performed in the State Theatre from 15 – 18 March 2012.

The Peony Pavilion is a deeply romantic tale of the power of love over death that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Written at almost the same time William Shakespeare was penning his own classic, The Peony Pavilion remains one of China’s most cherished stories.  With magnificent sets, exquisite costumes and a full corps de ballet, The Peony Pavilion is a large-scale choreographic fusion of western classical ballet and traditional Chinese dance.

“The Peony Pavilion is based on a Chinese love story and performed in the Western ballet tradition,” explains Judith Isherwood, Chief Executive, Arts Centre Melbourne. “It is a ballet company en pointe but with exquisite interventions from Kun opera, which is the lyrical form of Chinese opera. People who like ballet will love it and those who are interested in Asian work will love it as well,” she added.

Making its European debut to sold-out audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, The Peony Pavilion promises to be one Melbourne’s dance highlights of 2012. The performance is also making its Australian debut in the official Year of Chinese Culture in Melbourne.

15 – 18 March, 2012

Thurs – Sat, 7.30pm

Sat & Sun, 1.30pm

Tickets on sale now!

For tickets visit www.artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183.