Shanghai Ballet’s “Camellias” Captivates Brisbane
Ti Gong
The Shanghai Ballet performs its two-act “Camellias” production.
The Queensland Performing Arts Center in Brisbane, Australia, saw an enslaved to sudden a sea change as audiences flocked to witness a story of love, tragedy, and redemption. "Camellias," a captivating ballet by Shanghai Ballet, has made its international debut, playing to sold-out crowds for a total of five performances over four days.
“The three shows we originally planned were all sold out, so we added two more shows,” said Shanghai Ballet artistic director Xin Lili. “The Lady of the Camellias is a story that is loved by both Chinese and Australian audiences. We will show our best form there.”
Inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s enduring novel "The Lady of the Camellias," the ballet is a poignant tale of forbidden love. Choreographed by renowned British dancer Derek Deane, it unfolds with the flowing grace and emotive power characteristic of Shanghai Ballet’s style.
Set to the poignant music of Carl Davis, premiered in Shanghai in 2019, tells the tragic love story of Marguerite, a courtesan pursuing the love and acceptance of Armand.
Ti Gong
The ballet debuted in Shanghai in 2019.
“The choreography is the same,” Deane said of this round of performances. “We rehearsed for two weeks, during which I tried to draw out more emotion from the dancers.
“I think the Australian audiences will be curious and keen to see Chinese dancers perform a ballet about a Western story,” he said.
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**A Tradition of Collaboration**
This isn’t the first time the two ballet companies have crossed paths.
Ti Gong
Shanghai Ballet principal dancers Wu Husheng and Qi Bingxue play the lead roles of Armand and Marguerite.
In 2018, Queensland Ballet was invited to perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Shanghai, where the two companies established communication agreements, paving the way for this latest collaboration.
“Camellias is one of our most mature productions,” said Shanghai Ballet Director Ji Pingping. “We look forward to presenting the elegant and delicate artistic style of the Shanghai Ballet on the world stage.”
* What are Xin Lili’s hopes for the future of the Shanghai Ballet?
## Interview with Xin Lili, Artistic Director of Shanghai Ballet
**Interviewer**: Welcome to the show, Xin Lili. Congratulations on the success of “Camellias” in Brisbane! Five sold-out performances is an incredible achievement.
**Xin Lili**: Thank you! We are very grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received in Brisbane. The audiences have been truly wonderful.
**Interviewer**: The original three shows sold out quickly, leading you to add two more. What do you think has resonated so strongly with Australian audiences?
**Xin Lili**: I think “The Lady of the Camellias,” with its themes of love, tragedy, and redemption, is a story that speaks to people across cultures. [[1](https://www.qtix.com.au/whats-on/2024/queensland-ballet-the-lady-of-the-camellias-performed-by-shanghai-ballet)]The Shanghai Ballet brings its unique style and artistry to this timeless tale.
**Interviewer**: The ballet was originally premiered in Shanghai in 2019. How has the international reception compared to its initial run?
**Xin Lili**: We’ve been fortunate to receive wonderful responses wherever we’ve performed “Camellias”. [[1](https://www.qtix.com.au/whats-on/2024/queensland-ballet-the-lady-of-the-camellias-performed-by-shanghai-ballet)]The beauty of this story and Derek Deane’s choreography seem to resonate universally.
**Interviewer**: What are your hopes for the future of the Shanghai Ballet?
**Xin Lili**: We want to continue sharing our passion for ballet with audiences around the world.
Our goal is to build bridges through dance and showcase the beauty and diversity of Chinese culture.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your time, Xin Lili. We wish you continued success with ”Camellias” and future performances.
**Xin Lili**: Thank you. It was a pleasure to speak with you.
