Li Cunxin takes Queensland Ballet to China for First Time in 7 Years
Performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
The Queensland Ballet have announced the company will tour to China later this year for the first time under the artistic directorship of Li Cunxin.
The company will perform Liam Scarlett’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in November, following a season of the ballet in Melbourne in October.
Mr Li said the time was right to take the company to China and that Liam Scarlett’s work was perfect for international audiences.
“We’re so proud to be representing Queensland on the world stage, to be demonstrating the international arts and cultural offerings of our city and state,” Mr Li said.
“We certainly have global aspirations as a ballet company and this is the next step in us achieving that aim as we present the work of Liam Scarlett who is himself, an internationally acclaimed choreographer.
“His production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is captivating, transcends cultural barriers and highlights the wonderful versatility and technical ability of our dancers.”
The Queensland Ballet China tour will begin in Shanghai at The Shanghai City Theatre on 9 November before continuing onto Suzhou, Beijing and Xi’an with two performances in each city.
“I am thrilled that Icon Group, who are already Season Partners of Queensland Ballet are also supporting our tour of China. We are so grateful for their ongoing support which will help us achieve our goal of becoming a global ballet company,” Mr Li said.
Enjoying both sell-out performances and critical acclaim following its Brisbane season in 2016, this retelling of a classic tale is set to become a classic itself.
Liam Scarlett, who is Artistic Associate with Queensland Ballet in addition to his role as Artist in Residence at London’s Royal Ballet, is a choreographic talent and his work is highly sought after throughout the world.
Mr Li said he is sure that audiences in both Melbourne and China will fall in love with the characters, the lyrical and beautiful choreography and the magical music of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The last time the Company toured to China was in 2011.
Queensland Ballet | A Midsummer Night’s Dream
9 & 10 November
Shanghai, Shanghai City Theatre
16 & 17 November
Suzhou , Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre
20 & 21 November
Beijing, National Centre for the Performing Arts
24 & 25 November
Xi’an, Opera House of Shaanxi Grand Theatre
