The Hamburg Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing between March 28 and 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Hamburg Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing between March 28 and 30.
One of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream is a tale of love, magic and mischief set in a world where reality and dreams intertwine. In 1977, choreographer John Neumeier reimagined the classic through ballet, preserving its whimsical charm while using movement to express the complexities of love and human relationships. His choreography masterfully merged classical ballet with contemporary dance, allowing each character's emotions to shine through nuanced movement and theatrical storytelling.
Choreographer John Neumeier [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Beyond its choreography, the ballet's music blends a poetic score by Mendelssohn with the ethereal organ and mechanical sounds of Hungarian-born composer Gyorgy Ligeti, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The stage design is minimalist and symbolic, weaving historical elements into the set, while costumes use color and texture to distinguish the human and fairy worlds, enhancing the ballet's magical quality.
"Throughout my career, I have believed in telling stories through the silent language of dance. Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream over 500 years ago, and today, it continues to transcend time and borders. We are thrilled to bring this ballet from Germany to China, creating a bridge across cultures through art," says Neumeier.
As the former artistic director of the company, Neumeier, a visionary choreographer known for his deep storytelling and humanistic approach, shaped the Hamburg Ballet for over 50 years, creating 170 original productions that blend classical ballet with contemporary expression. His pioneering work has elevated the company to global acclaim. The company's new artistic director, Demis Volpi, himself a choreographer, brings a fresh artistic perspective, expanding the company's repertoire while honoring its heritage.
The Hamburg Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing between March 28 and 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Thirteen years ago, the Hamburg Ballet captivated Beijing audiences with Mahler's Third Symphony and Neumeier's ballet, Nijinsky. The company is now returning with another dazzling performance, marking Neumeier's first visit to China in his new role as choreographer since stepping down as artistic director last year. This tour is also the beginning of a new era for the company under Volpi.
"It is an honor to lead the Hamburg Ballet into a new chapter. This is my first visit to China as artistic director, and I deeply value the role of tradition in ballet. Art is never created in isolation — it is a continuous dialogue between the past and the future. Our company has always been known for its creativity, and we will continue to evolve by reimagining existing work, including Neumeier's, while also creating new ones together," says Volpi.
Artistic director of the Hamburg Ballet, Demis Volpi [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
For the company's principal dancer Lin Xue, who was born in Beijing and graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and the School of the Hamburg Ballet, this performance is particularly meaningful.
"Returning to Beijing as a principal dancer is an emotional moment for me. Thirteen years ago, I was a young dancer just starting my journey with the company. Now, I return with a sense of homecoming," says Lin, who has been a member of the Hamburg Ballet since 2011.
"China's ballet scene is flourishing, and artistic exchanges like this inspire all of us. I am excited to share this extraordinary production with the audience here."
The Hamburg Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing between March 28 and 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Hamburg Ballet will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing between March 28 and 30. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
