Beijing’s vibrant theater scene is the perfect place to take a break from the summer heat – tourists can relax with a dynamic 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:
Luo Goddess of Water Moon
Image via Beijingtheater
The Luo Goddess of Water Moon dance drama, also known as Shui Yue Luo Shen, is a large-scale dance production by the Zhengzhou Song and Dance Theater. It tells the story of Cao Zhi, a poet from the Three Kingdoms period, and his infatuation with the mythical Goddess of the Luo River.
The drama skillfully blends traditional Han Dynasty dance forms, music, poetry, and calligraphy to portray Cao Zhi and his longing for the ethereal goddess.
The choreography emphasizes the fluidity of water, with dancers often using flowing fabrics to mimic the river's movements.
Aug 8 & 9, 7.30pm
RMB180/280/380/480/580/680
Beijing Exhibition Theatre, No.135 Xizhimen Waidajie, Xicheng
The Phantom of the Opera
The Spanish Ballet Flamenco de Granada is presenting The Phantom of the Opera, but it's a flamenco adaptation of the classic story, not a direct translation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical.
The show features the story of the Phantom and Christine, reimagined with flamenco music, dance, and dramatic flair.
Image via Flamenco de Granada
Spanish Ballet Flamenco de Granada, one of the world's largest flamenco dance troupes, is reknowned for its high-quality performances and contributions to the art form
Aug 22, 7.30pm; Aug 23, 2pm & 7.30pm
RMB100/180/280/380/480/680/880
Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, No.9 Tianqiao Nandajie, Xicheng
Deep in Memory
Image via Jiangsu Performing Arts Group
Deep in Memory is a dance drama that explores themes of remembrance and loss, often focusing on historical events and their impact on the human psyche.
It shows how the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre follow the survivors and witnesses as they try to move on with their lives.
Image via Jiangsu Performing Arts Group
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of resistance against Japanese aggression, dance drama Deep in Memory will perform at Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on August 30 & 31 before heading to France to perform at the Théâtre National de l'Opéra-Comique in Paris in November.
This is not a lighthearted performance, but the cast displays their versatility as both dancers and actors. It is a moving show for a contemplative night.
Aug 30 & 31, 7.30pm
RMB180/280/480/680/880
Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, No.9 Tianqiao Nandajie, Xicheng
Jane Eyre
The National Centre for the Performing Arts’ stage adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre was their first in-house drama production. It premiered in June 2009 and has been restaged multiple times, including a much-celebrated 10th-anniversary performance. It has been performed to sold-out crowds for years.
Image via the NCPA
The play, directed by Wang Xiaoying, focuses on Jane Eyre's fight for freedom and fulfillment, as well as her love story with Mr. Rochester.
Aug 22-29, 7.30pm
RMB280/480/680/780/880/1080
Drama Theatre of the National Centre for the Performing Arts, No.2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng
[Cover image via VCG]
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