Guangzhou is set to host one of the world's most iconic contemporary dance productions this September. From September 12 to 14, Matthew Bourne's legendary Swan Lake will be staged at the Guangzhou Opera House, as part of the GBA Culture and Arts Festival 2025, marking its long-awaited return to the city after six years.
First premiered in 1995 at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre, Bourne's Swan Lake shook the dance world with its daring reinterpretation. Instead of traditional ballerinas in tutus, Bourne reimagined the swans as male dancers—athletic, fierce, and mesmerizing. This bold choice created an unforgettable blend of strength, beauty, love, and tragedy, transforming the production into one of the most beloved and acclaimed contemporary classics worldwide.
While set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score, Bourne's Swan Lake tells a different story: a Prince suffocated by royal expectations longs for freedom and self-discovery. His encounter with a powerful, free-spirited Swan gives him hope—only for his dreams to shatter when a mysterious stranger disrupts a palace ball. The Prince's struggle ultimately leads to a tragic finale, highlighting themes of identity, repression, and desire.
Bourne has explained that swans inspired him because of their strength and presence: "Swans are tough, muscular creatures, full of tension. Only male dancers could truly convey their power." On stage, the "male swans" appear bare-chested, dressed in white feathered trousers that evoke real plumage, barefoot and bold. Their striking design combines animalistic energy, human complexity, and avian grace. A simple black triangle painted on the forehead echoes the beak, inspired by minimal yet expressive stage makeup.
The anticipation in Guangzhou is already building. On September 8, members of the touring company met local fans in a lively pre-show event, where they shared insights into their characters and personal journeys on stage. Dancers even demonstrated some of the ballet's signature movements, inviting fans to join in and experience the choreography firsthand.
Bourne's Swan Lake is more than a ballet—it fuses dance, theater, and cinema. Influenced by filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock, Bourne incorporates suspenseful imagery, dark humor, and even slapstick moments. Elements of contemporary dance and jazz infuse the choreography, making the work accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
For anyone in Guangzhou—or those traveling to China this September—this revival is an unmissable cultural highlight and a chance to witness a masterpiece that continues to inspire, provoke, and captivate audiences worldwide.
All materials marked with "source: English.gz.gov.cn" on this website (including but not limited to text, photographs, audio and video materials) are the copyrighted property of Guangzhou International (the official website of Guangzhou Municipality). Without prior authorization from Guangzhou International, any media, website, organization or individual shall not transmit, interlink, distribute or republish such materials in any form. Any media and website authorized to republish such materials shall mark them with "source: Guangzhou International (English.gz.gov.cn)". Infringement of these copyrights will result in legal action.