National Ballet of China brings classic Chinese novel to life

The National Ballet of China has staged its latest ballet production Dream of the Red Chamber at Tianqiao Theater in Beijing on Feb 10. After the world premiere, the production will be staged at the venue until Feb 18.

Under the baton of conductor Zhang Yi, the symphony orchestra of the company performed during the shows.

Dream of the Red Chamber, also known as A Dream of Red Mansions, written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is considered to be one of China's greatest novels. It chronicles the downfall of the wealthy and influential Jia family, and is set against the backdrop of social and political upheaval.

The novel has been adapted into multiple different art forms, such as films, TV dramas and dance dramas.

Directed by Tong Ruirui, the ballet production boasts creative team members including Feng Ying, head of the National Ballet of China, composer Ye Xiaogang and stage designer Liu Xinglin.

After shows in Beijing, the production will tour nationwide by visiting cities including Xi'an, Guangzhou and Shenzhen this year.