Above: John Gomez Goodway gives a stunning portrayal of Li Cunxin. Main image: set design by Michael Hankin.
The story of ballet dancer Li Cunxin’s journey from Shandong province in Maoist China to international stardom is familiar to many adults through the popular film Mao’s Last Dancer. However, the story of his childhood and training is also treasured by many Australian children who have read Li’s children’s book The Peasant Prince with illustrations by Anne Spudvilas.
The Monkey Baa team of writers, Tim Mc Garry, Sandie Eldridge and Eva Di Cesare, have created a poignant gem when adapting this children’s book to the stage. With a beautiful emphasis on family relationships, separation from loved ones and persistence towards artistic goals, this is inspiring storytelling coupled with exciting theatrical design and innovation.
The play appeals to children and adults alike. A clear and non-judgemental representation of life during Chairman Mao’s revolution will interest adults from a historical viewpoint.
The piece is targeted at children six years of age and over. They can witness the unique routines required by Chinese children at school where the political leader is to be worshiped prior to starting each day’s learning. References to the political enthusiasms of Chairman Mao and propaganda against the Western cultures will also not be missed by adults.
There is considerable humanity bursting energetically from the stage during the momentum of each short scene. Early on the nucleus of Cunxin’s struggling family is well established with affection, play and respect at its core. These values are brought to life by the hard-working and clearly-directed cast.
Michael Hankin’s set design places an impressive timber prism across the stage with a fabric backing. The fabric allows for a variety of action inside, in front of, behind and moving through this expressive portal.
Exciting lighting design by Sian James-Holland complements this structure with static and moving projections. These create sets and assorted styles of atmosphere throughout. Via silhouette the expanse of life outside the Li family home and Cunxin’s travels to Beijing and beyond are effectively revealed.
The cast of four actors and dancers constantly shift characters and costume as the story is kept moving with satisfying momentum. Tender and heart-wrenching moments are juxtaposed with humour as changes to new situations outside previous comfort zones steadily overlap.
The courage, resolve and humility of true talent are well balanced in John Gomez Goodway’s portrayal of Li Cunxin. The ballet dancer about to perform The Nutcracker reminisces on his past, and the vignettes start and finish at this career highlight. Whether playing frog games or flying kites with his father or negotiating class with severe ballet teachers, Goodway is a joy to watch.
Fluid movement is of a high standard throughout thanks to the collaboration with Danielle Michich from dance group Force Majeure. The choreography helps us sweep through the journey from peasant to ballet prince. Expressive manipulation of the barre in dance school scenes and the inclusion of accurate rehearsal moves add authentic dance elements to the piece. This choreography also matches the subtleties of direction which ensure that the dancer’s cultural and emotional challenges are clearly highlighted.
A beautiful sense of family is provided by the ensemble in genuine guise and using loaded bilingual dialogue. The scenes with Li’s parents alternate between penetrating heartbreak and joy, with fine work from actors Jonathan Chen and Jenevieve Chang. The chemistry and games on stage between Cunxin Li and his brother (in spirited portrayal by Edric Hong) are a delight for any children and parents to witness.
THE PEASANT PRINCE is playing the Lend Lease Theatre, Darling Quarter Theatre until Wednesday 20th April, daily at 10.30am and 12.30pm. The show then tours nationally until September this year. The production is in Sydney again in May playing at Parramatta, Penrith and Casula.
Tour details can be found at http://monkeybaa.com.au/event/the-peasant-prince-national-tour-2016/