La Bayadère: A tragic love story

Nowadays, art is considered a part of everyday life for many who live in China, especially in Shanghai. Throughout the year, numerous theaters located in Shanghai have been supporting performers, musicians, and dancers to show off their abilities. Amongst them, the Shanghai Oriental Art Center decided to follow up the convention to present an abundant amount of live theater performances throughout the last few years. One remarkable example would be La Bayadère, a three-act Czech-based ballet performance created by Sergei Khudekov and Marius Petipa, composter Ludwig Minkus, using choreography crafted in the 1800s. The Shanghai Oriental Art Center presented the performance once again in October with the ballet’s original composition and choreography.

La Bayadère tells the tragic story of the bayadère, Nikiya, and the warrior, Solor, who have sworn eternal love to each other but are brought to ruin by hands of the High Brahmin. The High Brahmin, also in love with Nikiya, learns about her love for Solor and reveals the secret affair in front of Princess Gamzatti, a girl has been selected to wed Solor in the future. Meanwhile, Princess Gamzatti, who scorns the secret love affair, orchestrates Nikiya’s murder and kills her during the betrothal celebration. Solor mourns for Nikiya in his dream, and the story ends with Solor and Nikiya reuniting in the afterlife. The dancers put on astonishing performances, expressing the personalities and internal struggles of each character through breathtaking choreography. Moreover, the combination of lighting effects, a talented orchestra, and intricate costume design contributed largely to the depth of play. By the time the show was over, the majority of the audience was fascinated by the perfect teamwork that the performers displayed and gave a standing ovation to the crew during the curtain call. The collaboration among the performers, choreographers, musicians, and the director resulted in a marvelous performance.

The Shanghai Oriental Art Center is always open free for the entire week. The address of the theater is No.425, Ding Xiang Rd, Shanghai, China. For additional information, please check out this website.

Featured Image—Ballerinas onstage, depicting the tragic story of bayadère, Nikiya, and the warrior, Solor Photo courtesy of Cathelina Xu (12B)

by Amy Kang