On the Stage: A Decade of Meeting in Beijing

As one of the large-scale official festivals, Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, which collects a lot of cultural programs, has been held annually since 2000. The year, "Meet in Beijing", running from April 30 to May 28, seems more selective and diverse. Many of the shows will be presented on Beijing stages for the first time. Besides dance, drama and classical concerts, it the festival will also bring Chaoyang Pop Music Week to Chaoyang Park, the “Intro” electronic music event to Beijing 751 Power Square (in 798), and lectures and video screenings in Peking, Tsinghua and Renmin universities.

The festival opens with Marius Petipa's grand ballet, The Daughter of the Pharaoh, (Apr 30- May 2). The Bolshoi Theatre, which added this work to its ballet repertory in 2000, is invited to perform.

Another Marius Petipa masterpiece, Don Quixote, will also be presented by The Bolshoi Theatre. Although the American Ballet Theater successfully staged this flamenco-flavored ballet in National Centre for the Performing Arts last year, the Bolshoi Theater was the first to present this work back to 1869. You can decide which one is more Spanish.

Speaking of flamenco, it is said 40 dancers from National Ballet of Spain will try to break Riverdance’s the record of hitting the floor 32 times per second. They will perform two productions during this visit. Aires de Villay Corte takes audience back to Madrid in the 19th century to enjoy the Bolero. Since Bolero is in a moderately slow tempo, it demands intricate techniques from dancers. La Leygenda is special tribute to the legendary dancer, Carmen Amaya. Accompanied by emotional singing, the lead dancer draws a beautiful line on the stage with her colorful and long flamenco dresses, featuring countless layers of cape-cut ruffles. Don't forget to count the hits when you watch.

In modern dance, Blanche Neige, by Ballet Preljocaj, Snow White is no longer a simple fairy tale only for children. The French Choreographer, Angelin Preljocaj has produced an experimental work exploring human violence and desire in the Brother Grimm’s story. This work won Preljocaj the “Globe de Cristal” last year. Jean Paul Gautier, the French haute couture fashion designer, will refresh audiences’ impression of each character with his renovated costume design. Gautier designed the costumes for Kylie Minogue’s international tour in 2008. You will see Snow White dance in bare feet and circle her stepmother, who will be in high-heels and wrapped in black chiffon.

Renowned Chinese director, Lin Zhaohua, who is famous for Chinese versions of Hamlet and The Cherry Orchard, produces a portmanteau work of Lao She’s pieces. Five of the most influential short stories, including Rabit and Liu's Courtyard, comprise this new drama presenting the lives of old Beijingers. Lao She, as one of most famous Chinese novelists and dramatists, had a big influence on local literature in the early 20th century. Some of his works, such as Tea House are still regularly staged in Capital Theater. For audiences who are interested in Chinese literature, it could be good opportunity to get to know more about Lao She’s work, as well as Beijing.

Fifty years ago, North Korean’s President Kim II-Sung decided to make a Korean opera production of A Dream of Red Mansions after visiting China. This opera will now get chance to debut in its writer’s country. North Korea’s Pibada Opera House has made it into a 3 hour Korean narrative opera -- maybe with Kim II-Sung influence. The music is played on both Korean traditional and western musical instruments.

The Chaoyang Pop Music Week (May 1-6) gathers the bands and artists including Abba Memories, Johnny Vegas from Canada, Melodramms from UK, Soweto Choir from South Africa and Mexican Mariachi Band.

Polish pianist, composer, and program arranger, Jagodzinski, will collaborate with Polish Ensemble, while China’s renewed cellist Zhu Yibing perform with his ensemble Cello Octette. Urban Ballet from France mixes hip-hop with classical music. Akram Khan’s work, Bahok, which questions passengers' identity in the international airport, returns to Beijing. Jumping Frames Dance Video Festival, which combines the aesthetics of dance and video photography, shows films including, An Appointment with Pina, Hong Kong Dance Video Series, Best of Israeli Dance Animation, and British Dance Video.

For detail detail program and ticket information, check www.meetinbeijing.org.cn