Beijing’s vibrant theater scene is the perfect place to take a break from the summer heat – tourists can relax with a vibrant show after a day of exploring the city and there is always something new on for residents of the capital.
This month there are a number of stunning performances and international collaborations touring through that are worth checking out.
Here are a few of our top picks:
Qi Xi
The Liaoning Ballet is presenting Qi Xi, a neoclassical ballet inspired by the classic Chinese legend of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. It tells the story of two lovers who are separated by the Milky Way and can only reunite once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
This performance, a collaboration between Chinese and French artists, is described as a "love letter to China" and a fusion of international perspectives with Chinese storytelling.
This neoclassical ballet’s music consists of classic works by well-known composers such as Claude Debussy, Morris Ravel, and Ye Xiaogang.
The design uses elements of Chinese ink painting as well as new technology and 3D projections to create a celestial atmosphere.
July 12 & 13, 7.30pm
RMB80/120/180/280/380/480/580
National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng
Crested Ibises
Shanghai Dance Theatre's Crested Ibises is a dance drama that tells the story of the endangered crested ibis that was once on the brink of extinction.
The show highlights the importance of environmental protection and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
The dance drama, also known as Soaring Wings, incorporates traditional Chinese dance and ballet techniques, with dancers mimicking the movements of the birds.
Since its debut in 2014, the show has been performed over 350 times and has toured extensively receiving international praise – not only for its beauty, but for its advocacy of the preservation of biodiversity.
July 18-20, 7.30pm
RMB100/180/280/380/480/580/680/880
National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng
Under the Stars of Paris: Ballet Stars Gala
Under the Stars of Paris: Ballet Stars Gala is a performance featuring dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet, showcasing six classic excerpts from masterpieces of ballet.
The Paris Opera Ballet is one of the oldest and most prestigious ballet companies in the world, with a history dating back to 1669.
This gala is part of an ongoing artistic exchange between France and China, and is co-hosted by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the Association pour les Echanges Artistiques entre Ia France et la Chine (AEAFC), and Prix D'europe (PDE).
The performance will showcase the elegance, technique, and artistry that are hallmarks of the Paris Opera Ballet with an all-star ensemble of 14 dancers.
July 25 & 26, 7.30pm
RMB180/280/380/580/680/780/880/1080
Opera House of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng
Odes to Heroes
The Odes to Heroes dance drama features Yingge dance, which is a traditional folk dance from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong. It is a large-scale original production by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Theater.
The drama explores themes of courage, family, romance, and dedication, using Yingge dance to tell a story of nostalgia for one's homeland, resonating with many people across China and abroad.
While rooted in tradition, the choreography adapts Yingge dance for the modern stage, incorporating elements of opera, martial arts, and digital technology.
The dancers make use of their unique sets to create incredible scenes and powerful performances that are accented by the unique costumes.
July 31 to Aug 2, 7.30pm
Aug 3, 2.30pm
RMB280/380/580/680/780/880
Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, No.9 Tianqiao Nandajie, Xicheng
The Divine Comedy Musical
The Divine Comedy Musical is being staged to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy.
This Italian musical has received international acclaim and awards, including the Gold Medal from the Italian Dante Society. The director, Andrea Ortis, and producer, Gabriele Gravina, said that they hope to foster friendship between China and Italy through this stunning musical that is just making its Middle Kingdom debut!
The show’s stage production offers a groundbreaking audiovisual experience – it utilizes over 70 immersive 3D projections to vividly recreate Dante’s visions of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.
There is a seamless blend of glasses-free 3D holograms, dynamic lighting effects, and intricate mechanical devices that deliver a powerful and captivating visual spectacle.
This production fuses rock, pop, opera, and numerous other musical styles that results in a unique combination of symphonic and modern elements.
Eight leading Italian vocalists give new life into Dante’s poetry with music and passion on a stunning set. The cast is adorned in over 200 meticulously handcrafted costumes that adhere to historical accuracy with intricate embroidery and specialty fabrics.
With sold-out performances at venues like the Verona Amphitheater and Milan’s Teatro degli Arcimboldi, it has drawn over 1.4 million attendees and has been declared a theater phenomenon.
July 31 & Aug 1, 7.30pm
Aug 2, 2.30pm
RMB380/480/580/680/780/980
Beijing Century Theatre, No.40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang
One Duck Down
For those looking for something a little more family friendly, One Duck Down aims to please audiences of all ages – everyone from three to 99 will enjoy this fun-filled drama that explores the serious theme of marine environment protection through a combination of clown comedy, theatre, original music, and interactive performance.
The drama is based on a real event from 1992, when a cargo ship lost thousands of rubber toys in the Pacific Ocean, which triggered research on ocean currents and marine ecology.
The award-winning British production has been touring since 2017, telling the story of the protagonist Billy's journey to find 7,000 little yellow ducks.
The Chinese version of this popular tale launched in 2023 and has gained popularity around the country.
July 25-27, 7.30pm
RMB180/240/300
Multi-functional Theatre of National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng
[All images are courtesy of TheatreBeijing]
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