In brief
On November 9, Shanghai Ballet staged its production of “The Butterfly Lovers” at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia, drawing an audience close to the venue’s 2,000‑seat capacity. The performance blended classical ballet with Chinese folklore, and audience members highlighted the vivid costumes and the emotionally resonant final butterfly transformation. The show is part of the troupe’s ongoing U.S. tour, showcasing both Chinese and Western classics.
On Saturday evening, November 9, Shanghai Ballet brought its production of “The Butterfly Lovers”—China’s definitive counterpart to Romeo and Juliet—to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax, Virginia, drawing a crowd near the venue’s almost 2,000‑seat capacity. The performance showcased the tragic romance of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, with dancers interpreting the story through classical ballet movements, vibrant costumes, and the haunting melodies of the Chinese violin concerto of the same name.
The troupe’s staging blends classical technique with Chinese artistic traditions, all presented without a single word of dialogue. Xinhua reports that the narrative, though difficult for some to follow, resonated emotionally with the audience.
Rocco Benevento, a 66‑year‑old truck driver, told Xinhua that he and his wife “really enjoyed the show,” praising the final scene in which the lovers turn into butterflies. He added that the colors and costumes were phenomenal and that the legend reminded him of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
"The colors, all the costumes were phenomenal. They put a lot of effort into it," he said, adding that the Chinese legend reminded him of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Anna, a local high school student, said the Chinese elements made the production different from other ballets she had seen.
"It’s a lot different than a lot of other ballets I’ve watched before, but I like it. It’s very interesting to watch," she said.
Marion, another audience member, explained he had familiarized himself with the Chinese love story before attending.
"I read the story… It was easy to understand, and it was done very beautifully," he said.
Xinhua notes that the performance is part of Shanghai Ballet’s ongoing U.S. tour, highlighting both Chinese and Western classics to diverse American audiences. The university’s art center described the production alongside other ballets offered this season, underscoring its cultural significance for attendees.
