Chongqing — The National Ballet of China captivated audiences at the 14th China Art Festival with its original ballet “A Dream of Red Mansions,” performed on October 23 and 24. The production offered a visual and emotional feast, reimagining one of China’s most revered literary works through the universal language of ballet.
Created in the late 18th century, The Dream of Red Mansions is among China’s Four Great Classical Novels and is celebrated worldwide for its detailed portrayal of life in an aristocratic household. The novel tells the story of celestial beings experiencing the human world, exploring the rise and fall of a great family, the complexity of human emotions, and the impermanence of life. Its magnificent group portraits and rich narrative have captivated generations of readers.
The National Ballet of China transforms this intricate narrative into a poetic stage experience with “A Dream of Red Mansions,” blending the elegance of Western ballet with the subtle beauty of Chinese aesthetics. From choreography to costume and set design, the production incorporates traditional cultural motifs into graceful movement, expressing sorrow, longing, and love in a distinctly Chinese manner.
By presenting “A Dream of Red Mansions” at the 14th China Art Festival, the troupe demonstrates how ballet can bridge classical literature and contemporary audiences. The performance is both a tribute to Chinese cultural heritage and a testament to Chinese ballet's growing individuality and innovation.
The festival, continuing through November 16, celebrates excellence in fine arts, calligraphy, photography, and stage performance, bringing together artists and audiences from across the country to honor China’s vibrant contemporary art scene.