Guangzhou Ballet's Mei Lanfang
Sha Tin Town Hall
Continues tonight. Mixed programme tomorrow at Yuen Long Theatre
For its inaugural tour to Hong Kong, the Guangzhou Ballet, founded only in 1994 and directed by Zhang Dandan, last night presented a full-length ballet, Mei Lanfang, based on the life of the legendary Peking Opera artist.
The ballet narrates the blossoming of Mei's artistry until his temporary retreat from the stage when he refused to perform for the Japanese troops during the war, followed by his career's second flourish until his death in 1961.
There is no better introduction to the Guangzhou Ballet than this well-crafted Chinese-themed ballet, the most outstanding programme seen in Hong Kong in the second half of this year. The choreography, mostly by Fu Xingbang, is an excellent blend of classical ballet vocabulary, Peking Opera steps, and even martial arts.
The drama, neatly divided into three acts, starts with Mei Lanfang reminiscing about his four greatest female roles in Peking Opera, danced by four different women. Mei was superbly danced throughout the evening by Chao Lemeng, an expressive lyrical dancer with a pleasing line and graceful arm movements. The second scene switched to a western setting with a spectacular ball in the US in honour of Mei who was awarded an honorary doctorate. The ensemble scene was well danced by the company.