China’s highly-acclaimed dance spectacular makes its Australian debut
Hailed as “The Oriental Swan Lake”, The Legend of Dunhuang takes place in the desert city of Dunhuang, in northwest China's Gansu Province. It tells the classical story of a fresco painter and his daughter, Ying Niang, who save the life of a Persian merchant, Yunus. When Ying Niang and Yunis flee to Persia to escape corrupt forces, her father remains behind, painting the famous frescoes of the Dunhuang grottoes. The tale takes a tragic turn when Ying Niang’s father sacrifices his life to save her and Yunis.
More than a triumphant tale of honour, love and international friendship, this exquisite production transports the audience to the height of the Silk Road trade, bringing to life the history and beauty of the Dunhuang grottoes that have become a UNESCO heritage site and captures the cultural significance embedded in the cave paintings.
Established in 1961, the Gansu Dance Theatre is widely regarded for upholding the culture of Dunhuang, a city renowned for its natural beauty and historic ties to the Silk Road. They have won numerous national awards and toured nearly 30 countries. The Legend of Dunhuang is their most acclaimed work, boasting a 47-strong ensemble and has been performed in over 400 cities worldwide since its creation, almost 40 years ago. It was reinvigorated in 2008 to celebrate the Beijing Olympics and has come to symbolise a significant milestone in the history of Chinese culture and dance.
Following stunning performances in New York and London, CPEG and Ausfeng presents Gansu Dance Theatre’s The Legend of Dunhuang to the Australian stage for the first time.
Venue: The Star Gold Coast
Date: 28-29 Sep at 7:30pm
Prices: premium $109/ A $89/ B $69/ C $49
Venue: Civic Theatre Newcastle
Date: 2-3 Oct at 7:30pm
Prices: premium $89/ A $69/ B $49
Venue: Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC Sydney
Date: 5-6 Oct at 7:30pm
Prices: premium $129/ A $99/ B $79/ C $59