TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Ballet of China (NBC) made a debut performance of tragic love story 'Raise the Red Lantern', at the Ciputra Artpreneur Theater in South Jakarta on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.
The Embassy of China in Indonesia and the Association of Indonesia-China Economic, Social and Cultural Cooperation sponsored the 2-hour performance held on November 2 and 3, 2016, as part of the celebration of 67 years of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and China.
The performance combined western ballet with traditional Chinese elements including shadow play, Peking opera, acrobatics, cultural costumes and architecture.
'Raise the Red Lantern' made its debut back in 2001 and since then, NBC has staged over 500 performances in dozens of cities around the world.
"I believe [NBC's] performance in Jakarta will not only be a strong boost to cultural exchanges but also a new bridge of communication between our people and a new chapter in the 21st Century Maritime Silkroad," said Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xie Feng in his opening speech.
NBC was founded in 1959 is the only national ballet group in China.
Ballet master Xu Gang , 49, had performed Swan Lake with NBC the last time they were in Indonesia almost 20 years ago.
This time, Xu is back leading 101 dancers, opera singers, musicians and stage crew to put on a colourful dramatic performance.
"I think ballet is an international language so people can understand," Xu said.
The ballet in three acts is based on Chinese writer, Su Tong’s, novel, Wives and Concubines and adapted from famous Chinese film director, Zang Yimou’s, movie, ‘Raise the Red Lantern’.
The protagonist is a young girl who is forced into being the second concubine or third wife of the master of the house, but reignites a love affair with her childhood lover.
Tickets to the event are by invitation only. Some notable guests present at the performance include, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Puan Maharani former President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Minister of Maritime and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti.
The organising committee also invited students, children with disabilities and underprivileged children to watch the rehearsal sessions.
SAMANTHA YAP
