The Lowry is set to host the prestigious National Ballet of China (NBC) this November, 22–26 with a five-night run of one of the most enduring love stories in Chinese literature, The Peony Pavilion.
The company, which was founded in 1959, is today regarded as one of the world’s leading ballet institutions.
Its production of the Tang Xiazu play is among its most in-demand work. Written in 1598 and considered an Eastern contemporary of Romeo & Juliet, The Peony Pavilion tells the story of passion pitted against impossible odds.
Performed to the music of Debussy, Ravel, Holst and Prokofiev, the production is directed by Feng Ying, the company’s executive and artistic director – herself a well-known ballerina and ballet mistress in China.
The Peony Pavilion is presented by The Movement, an Arts Council England-supported dance producing partnership between Birmingham Hippodrome, The Lowry and Sadler’s Wells.
Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said: “Securing the National Ballet of China was a real coup for The Movement. A 70-strong company, their work is truly epic – in both a visual and logistical capacity – and to see them perform is a real ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.”
As one of China’s biggest cultural exports, the NBC serves as a cultural envoy and prides itself on providing an important window to the nation. At home, the Company delivers an extensive educational programme to promote the art form in universities, communities and among children.
Listings information:
The Peony Pavilion by The National Ballet of China
The Lowry, Salford
Tue 22 – Sat 26 November 2016, 7.30pm (Wed & Sat matinees: 2pm)
Tickets: £15 – £42 (Including booking fees)
Box office: 0843 208 6000
