The combination of stage and screen is a popular way of enjoying performing arts, which can be shared by audiences around the globe. For the same price as going to a movie, audiences can enjoy theatrical productions from around the world instead of taking a flight to London or Paris, or waiting for the shows to tour their hometowns.
From the end of April through June, 10 HD recordings of China's recent top stage and dance productions are appearing for the first time in the United Kingdom, touring cities including London, Edinburgh, Cambridge and Liverpool.
The project Global Stage on Screen opened with the HD UK premiere screening in London of the National Ballet of China's version of Giselle — an all-time favorite for ballet fans — on April 29.
In 1960, the National Ballet of China staged its first performance of the romantic classic Giselle, which has since been regarded as one of its three founding repertoires.
With Feng Ying, president of the National Ballet of China, as the production's director and producer, this version of Giselle features Qiu Yunting, the principal dancer of the Chinese ballet company playing the lead role, a young and innocent peasant girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a Duke, played by dancer Wu Sicong, who hides his royal identity from her.
