Singapore audiences can look forward to an extraordinary cultural event this March as JUST LIVE presents the Singapore premiere of A Dream of Red Mansions, performed by the internationally acclaimed National Ballet of China.
Staged as part of the company’s Asia tour, the celebrated two-act ballet reimagines Cao Xueqin’s literary masterpiece into a sweeping theatrical experience. The production masterfully blends Western classical ballet technique with the poetic grace of Chinese aesthetics, offering a visually rich and emotionally resonant interpretation of one of China’s most treasured novels.
A Tale of Love and Impermanence
Running approximately two hours, the ballet traces the poignant romance between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu, set against the rise and fall of the powerful Jia family. As the story unfolds, Jia Baoyu drifts into a dreamlike realm where flower spirits, childhood companions and echoes of past lives intertwine within an ethereal landscape.
Moments of youthful innocence shimmer alongside the bittersweet ache of first love and inevitable parting. Through intricate choreography, elegant costumes and evocative lighting, the stage transforms into a living reverie, luminous, poetic and hauntingly beautiful.
Six Decades of Artistic Excellence
Drawing on more than 60 years of artistic heritage, the National Ballet of China brings depth and nuance to this adaptation. The company’s signature fusion of Western ballet discipline and Chinese cultural expression breathes new life into the timeless themes of romance, longing and fleeting beauty.
The production is led by Executive Director and Producer Feng Ying, with choreography by Tong Ruirui. The creative team also includes Scriptwriter Feng Li, Stage Designer Liu Xinglin, Costume Designer Yang Donglin, Lighting Designer Liu Zhao and Composer Ye Xiaogang, whose evocative score underscores the emotional journey of Jia Baoyu and heightens the ballet’s immersive atmosphere.
Together, their collective artistry translates the novel’s intricate emotional layers into a seamless convergence of movement, music and visual storytelling.
Performance Details
A Dream of Red Mansions will run from 12 to 15 March 2026 at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Showtimes:
- 8:00 PM daily
- Additional 2:30 PM matinee on 14 March 2026
Ticket Categories:
Cat 1 ($388) | Cat 2 ($288) | Cat 3 ($188) | Cat 4 ($158) | Cat 5 ($88) | Premier Box ($388) | Balcony ($188)
Early bird tickets are now available via SISTIC.
