The dance drama The Peony Pavilion was staged at the Wuxi Grand Theatre on Oct 11, attracting continuous applause and cheers from the audience.

Dancers greet the audience in curtain calls at Wuxi Grand Theatre. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]

As the drama concluded around 10:15 pm, the dancers received several heartfelt curtain calls before leaving the stage. Meanwhile, many young audiences eagerly waited at the gate where performers exited, thrilled to get autographs from their favorite young dancers.

"The costumes, styling, and live lighting effects were outstanding. From the warm-up onwards, the unique, vibrant energy of the young dancers instantly drew me into the world of The Peony Pavilion," said a young man from Qingdao, who traveled to Wuxi specifically to see the performances. He watched the drama with his friend on Oct 11 and 12 and was very excited to see casts A and B in the leading roles.

Based on the romantic 400-year-old Kunqu Opera epic, the dance drama was collaboratively created by dancer and choreographer Li Xing and director Huang Jiayuan. Its premiere in Wuxi was a highlight of the 2025 Taihu Art Festival.

Adapted from the Kunqu Opera classic by playwright Tang Xianzu (1550-1616), the drama tells the timeless love story of Du Liniang, whose love transcends life and death.

The dance drama The Peony Pavilion is staged at Wuxi Grand Theatre. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]

The story follows Liniang, who, led by her maid Chun Xiang, takes a spring walk in the Peony Pavilion, where she falls in love with Liu Mengmei in a dream. After waking up, she withers away, yearning for her dream lover and passes away after entrusting her self-portrait to the world.

She continues her efforts to find her dream lover and persuades the judge of the underworld to release her spirit in the search for Liu. She finally meets Liu and Liu's love is so strong and sincere that he successfully brings her back to life.

"I believe it's not just about love between a man and a woman, but also the growth story of a young girl," said dancer Huang Huihui, who shared her understanding of the character Liniang whom she plays. She believes it was Liniang's determination and bravery to fulfill her dream in feudal society that made her character a great person in literature.

Dancers present the scene of enjoying beautiful flowers in Peony Pavilion on stage at Wuxi Grand Theatre. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]

Dancer Ma Chi, who played the maid Chunxiang, also expressed her admiration for Liniang and cherished the sister bond between Liniang and Chunxiang. She further elaborated on Chunxiang's guiding role in the drama: "When Chunxiang leads Liniang through the garden gate, she is, in essence, guiding her to break through the gate of feudal etiquette."

"Personally, I hope the audience can follow my performance of opening the door of the Peony Pavilion and see the infinite beauty within this drama," she added.

The dance drama launched its second national tour in Suzhou during the National Day holiday. After its successful run in Wuxi, The Peony Pavilion will continue to visit other major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chongqing, before starting its international tour in 2026.