Mao's Last Dancer: we should recognize the artistic value of The Detachment of Women

The well-known Chinese ballet The Red Detachment of Women is coming to Melbourne next February as part of the new Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts. The schedule was officially announced by the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews when visiting Beijing this September. The Red Detachment of Women is one of the epic Chinese ballets and was made one of the Eight Model Operas which dominated the national stage during China's Red Cultural Revolution in 1970s. This politically famous Chinese ballet is coming to Melbourne only a few months later when the controversial Chairman Mao tribute concerts sharpened Chinese community divide and was eventually cancelled due to safety concerns. Mr Li Cunxin, the artistic director of the Queensland Ballet, who is also known by his autobiography work Mao's Last Dancer featuring this ballet, said despite its political overtones and the historical background when created, the Red Detachment of Women does not only remain a high artistic value in performing arts, but also preserves the memory of a generation with their unique experience from that special time of China. Mandarin Producer Alan Qu reports.

Mr Li Cunxin (by Queensland Ballet, Photography Eduardo Vieira) Source: Queensland Ballet, Photography Eduardo Vieira