Chinese epic dance drama 'Princess Zhaojun' to debut at Lincoln Center

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A new dance drama, "Prince Zhaojun," from the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater (CNODDT) will make its debut in New York on Sunday at the Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater.

Produced by the China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd. (CAEG), the epic stage production features more than 50 elite dancers, bringing to life a household story of an ancient Chinese princess, Wang Zhaojun.

Wang is a palace lady-in-waiting who lived over 2,000 years ago in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-AD 220). Dubbed one of China's "Four Great Beauties" in ancient times, she was also one of the best known Chinese heroines.

A still from "Princess Zhaojun." /Photo via the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater

"Princess Zhaojun." /Photo via the CNODDT

A still from "Princess Zhaojun." /Photo via the CNODDT

Princess Zhaojun. /Photo via the CNODDT

Chinese dance drama "Princess Zhaojun." /Photo via the CNODDT

The smart and brave girl helped bring peace to the turbulent northern border through her political marriage to the leader of Xiongnu – a powerful tribal nomadic group in what's known today as Inner Mongolia in northern China.

Serving as a queen of the tribe, Princess Zhaojun devoted herself to building a good relationship between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu, as well as promoting cultural exchanges.

The drama had its world premiere in 2016 and has toured China since then. In 2017, it was staged in Mexico as a closing show of the "Year of Chinese Culture" and won wide acclaim.

"Princess Zhaojun" performers answer a curtain call. /Photo via the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater

With elaborate period costumes and sets, the drama wowed the audience at Boston's Boch Center Shubert Theatre during the two performances on March 16 and 17 before coming to New York City.

The U.S. tour is part of CAEG's "Image China" cultural exchange initiative. The program, which was launched in 2009, aims to present traditional Chinese culture and contemporary performing arts to the world.

"Princess Zhaojun" will run in New York March 21-24.

(Cover: A poster for "Princess Zhaojun." /Photo via the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater)