Feng adapts 'Banquet' into a ballet

New dance productions based on well-known films and classic fairy tales will be presented in Shanghai during the Christmas and New Year period.

Mainland director Feng Xiaogang's 2006 film "The Banquet" was a box office sensation. The lavish film impressed audiences with its lush cinematography, martial arts, and elaborate dance scenes.

The film is also Feng's interpretation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and recently it has been adapted into a ballet of the same name.

Feng, who is the producer of the ballet, says it is a very special work among all his credits as it combines Chinese aesthetic values with Shakespeare's penchant for tragedy.

Compared with the film version, the dance drama will explore more sides of humanity. People's delicate emotions and their internal struggles will be portrayed on stage through body language.

"The drama is also about family, love, power and ambition," says Wang Yuanyuan, who is the show's choreographer. "We want to make a strong visual impact with a distinctive artistic appeal."

'Nutcracker'

Meanwhile, children from all over the world have been amazed by the dazzling fantasy world of "The Nutcracker," one of the all-time classic Christmas stories. The fairly tale has since been adapted into many stage productions and films over the years.

Next month, Russian State Ballet will present their version of the classic in Shanghai.

Based on a story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann, the dance drama features music by Tchaikovsky.

Artists from the noted Russian State Ballet will depict a young girl's adventure through a fantasy world of fairies, and an army of mice at war with toy soldiers.

Also expect to see some excellent visual effects and exquisite costumes along with the incredible dancing.

Organizers of the performance say "The Nutcracker" is a story the whole family can enjoy.

It has also become a Christmas favorite around the world.

The Russian State Ballet will also stage a three-hour performance of excerpts from other classics such as "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty" before leaving town.

'The Banquet'

Date: December 21-22, 7:15pm

Venue: Shanghai City Theater, 4889 Dushi Rd

Tickets: 100-380 yuan

'The Nutcracker'

Date: December 28-29, 7:30pm

Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong

Tickets: 80-1,280 yuan

Ballet Classics

Date: December 30-31, 7:30pm

Venue: Shanghai Art Theater, 466 Jiangning Rd

Tickets: 80-1,280 yuan