The Peony Pavilion is a Chinese love story created by Ming Dynasty play writer Tang Xianzu some 400 years ago. It has traditionally been performed as a Kunqu Opera piece. The story has also been interpreted in many other art forms. And now, one of China's most prestigious modern dancers and choreographers - Jin Xing - has set out to prove that a modern dance version of the "Peony Pavilion" can still be suitable for a modern audience.

A modern dance version of a Kunqu Opera piece -'Peony Pavilion'

Du Liniang dreams of her lover Liu Mengmei even though she has never met him in real life. But unable to recover the enchantment of her dream, she wastes away and dies. In hell, the underworld judge determines that her marriage with Liu Mengmei is predestined. Du's ghost then returns to the real world to find Liu. But in the end, a happy love story between Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei is not in the cards and Du remains alone.

Many people are familiar with the story. But this modern dance production brings a brand new take on the traditional image of the heroine. Although it's an ancient tale, the new annotation revolves around a new perspective on the women of today.