'A Dream of Red Mansions' given new dance drama adaptation

A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the four ancient Chinese literature classics, by Cao Xueqin of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), has been a constant inspiration for artists. It has been adapted into various art forms, such as TV dramas, movies and traditional Chinese operas.

A new dance drama, titled A Dream of Red Mansions and co-produced by the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts and Nanjing Chinese Traditional Orchestra, will premiere at the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts from Aug 12 to 15.

Now the dance drama is being rehearsed at the Taihu Stage Art Center of the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

In its fourth year of producing original theatrical productions, the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts gathered young Chinese artists to join the dance drama, such as director Li Chao, scriptwriters Cui Lei and Li Yicheng and choreographer Li Xing.

The music, composed by Wang Liping and featured in the 1987 television adaptation of A Dream of Red Mansions, will be featured in the dance drama, appealing to nostalgic audiences.