For the first time, the Ming dynasty play "The Peony Pavilion" has been introduced to American audiences through ballet. Thousands have crowded the Filene Center in Wolf Trap, Virginia to enjoy the ancient Chinese love story.
Feng Ying, the director of the National Ballet of China.
"This is an opportunity to show our artistic skills and the Chinese humanistic emotions to the world."
The story depicts how the girl Du Liniang pursues her true love despite the constraints of secular norms and even beyond the boundaries between life and death.
The ballet adaptation is inspired and expanded from the Kunqu Opera. It is a combination of East and West.
Fei Bo is the choreographer of "The Peony Pavilion'. He says the show is one of the thousands ways to depict ballet in the Chinese eyes.
"Ballet, in the world of dance, is like the English language to the world. It is an official communication language. This is how can we translate an ancient Chinese story into English, in a way to let the world understand us, and it allows us to better interpret Chinese thoughts and humanistic sensations in English."
The show ends in climax, when Du Liniang is revived by the power of love. The audience stands up, applauding and cheering.
"First time I've seen the National Ballet of China. I think I had high expectations and they've definitely met them. It's beautiful. They're so amazing. And the live orchestra is just…it's unbelievable that they're able to bring that. "
"It's novel to me. This is my first time to watch a ballet that combines Kunqu opera elements."
Ma Xiaodong, one of the principle dancers of the troupe, is happy but also humbled to see the cheering crowds.
"I think the American audience still knows little about Chinese culture. We, as dancers, have the responsibility to promote and show our culture to them. The Peony Pavilion, in this case, is a combination of the Chinese culture and the Western's. And that's why we brought it here."
The troupe is heading to Purchase and Saratoga Springs in New York State and will wrap up their US tour next Wednesday.
For CRI, I'm He Fei in Washington.
