The Peony Pavilion (Ballet and Dance)

First performed in 1598, The Peony Pavillion is one of the most famous Chinese love stories; a deeply romantic tale of the power of love over death. This modern dance drama is presented with visually stunning scenes, through complex choreography, in elaborate costumes, with each scene pieced poetically together. The Peony Pavillion breaks new ground through its innovative presentation of an ancient tale, creating an entirely new theatrical art form.

THE STORY

In the early days of the Southern Song Dynasty, Du Liniang, the sixteen-year old daughter of the magistrate Du of Nan’an, is dozing off at the Peony Pavilion in the back garden of Du’s. She comes across in her dream a gallant young scholar Liu Mengmei with a willow twig in his hand. They deeply fall in love at first sight. She wakes up to find herself desperate in love and is pining away thereafter. Neither medicine nor a husband chosen by her parents can cure her of her lovesickness. Dying, Liniang draws a self-portrait to leave her beauty to the living world. As if destined, the portrait turns up in a marketplace only to be bought by Liu Mengmei who is on his way to the imperial tests. The roaming soul of Liniang spots Liu’s buying and rushes to get reunited with him. They swear ever-lasting love to each other. Taken to Hell by the Messengers of Death Liniang is tortured ruthlessly but not repentant. The Gods and Spirits are deeply moved by her persistence in love. The Infernal Judge makes the ruling of opening the gate of Hell to send her back to the living world. The two beloved, Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei, break the boundary of life and death and get married at last.