Xishi, “a pretty girl washing gauze clothes by the stream in spring, looks like a piece of jade that compares favourably with a fairy”. Xi Shi is one of the four great beauties in Chinese history. She is “large-minded, virtuous and has wisdom”. She is even “perfectly impartial, ready to do everything for justice”. Loyal to her motherland, Xishi remains devoted to defending the country in her own way. Her talent and faith are exactly what she has in herself, while her homeland, family and lover, as well as what she has sacrificed, are those that she wants to guard.

“She bids farewell to her hometown at the Huansha River, with her personal feelings hidden for the overall national interest”. That’s how Xishi goes through life, but not in detail. History is like a long river, winding through the ages. Thousands of years later, this ancient beauty is given a new life in Xishi, a dance drama designed to reconstruct the distant past. From a modern perspective, this beautiful lady, covered with dust on the mural in history, has her true life experience presented on stage. Thus, the bond of love between FAN Li and her, is made plain. The State of Yue relives the process of its revival in tripping dance steps, with this legendary beauty’s dramatic life presented in every detail. Chinese women’s strong will, something unique to them, is therefore shown to everyone.

Special thanks to YANG Liqing, Artistic Consultant to Zhuji City and a renowned Chinese dancer

Date: from 11 February

Venue: National Centre for the Performing Arts