The dance drama Li Bai, produced by the elite China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, will be the first performance under The Chinese Performing Arts Hong Kong Season series in 2025. This production employs an innovative narrative approach, interweaving reality and dream in a series of flashbacks of the famous poet Li Bai’s life. The story begins in the twilight years of Li Bai, when he was defeated in war and was exiled to Yelang. Through Li Bai’s reminiscence, the retrospection of a legendary life unfolds.
With Li Bai’s patriotic sentiments and his passionate embrace of nature as the central theme, the dance drama highlights pivotal moments of his life through various motifs, such as Quiet Night Thought, Song of the Eastern Tour, Bring in the Wine, Return to the Way, and The Ode of the Roc. It delves into his inner struggles and choices between social engagement and reclusiveness, revealing the poet’s profound inner world. The drama also explores the aesthetics and dance culture of the Tang dynasty, embodying the essence and beauty of traditional Chinese culture.
The creative team conducted extensive research on Li Bai’s poetry, particularly its descriptions of music and dance. The rigour of their research is reflected in the expression of poetic and rhythmic body language in this drama. This production is a tribute to Li Bai’s spiritual world, fully encompassing the sentimentalism in “raise the golden cup and toast the moon,” the bond of camaraderie in “please lend me your ears,” and the aspiration of “I long to climb the heavens and embrace the moon.”
Renowned young dancer Hu Yang and leading performer Chen Bingrui from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater will alternate in the role of Li Bai. During its 2024 domestic tour, Li Bai was performed in 70 shows across China, all of which was sold out.