Hamburg Ballet makes Chinese return after 13 years

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.

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.