What's on

Don Quixote

When: Nov 28-30, 7:30 pm

Where: National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing

Don Quixote, performed by the Mariinsky Ballet, is a legacy of the golden age of classical ballet in Russia and a poignant example of how Spain is portrayed in ballets, with its whirlwind ensemble dancing, castanets, polka-dot skirts, fans, roses and decorative combs in women's hair.

Despite its name, the ballet is not an adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' novel. It is a story about the failed wedding of the wealthy Camacho to the fair Quiteria, who is also the object of affection of someone else, the villager Basil. Don Quixote is in no way the lead character in the story by ballet standards. His role is mostly that of a pantomime artist or a stage walker, while all the dancing feats are accomplished by other characters.

Founded in the 18th century and originally known as the Imperial Russian Ballet, the Mariinsky Ballet is the resident classical ballet company of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia.

2019 Sino-Irish Contemporary Art Exhibition

When: Nov 29-Dec 1

Where: Museu&m at Shanghai Expo Park

Irish and Chinese artists include Audrey Mullins, Daniel Hickey, Fion Gunn, Stephen Lawlor, Niamh Cunningham, Ma Jin, Wang Shaoshuai and Click Design. The exhibition is produced by Wen Xu from Creative Culture Europe and curated by Lulu.

The Little Match Girl

When: Dec 1, 7:30 pm

Where: Beijing Exhibition Theater

Based on a short story by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen in 1845, the musical is about a dying child's dreams and hopes.

It begins on a cold, snowy winter night. A poor girl tries to sell matches because she was ordered to do so by her father and he won't allow her to return home until all the matches are sold on pain of a beating.

She tries to warm her hands by lighting the matches. After lighting the last match, she sees her dead grandmother whom she loved very much and who eventually takes her to heaven.

A Doll's House

When: Dec 6-15, 7:30 pm

Where: The Capital Theater, Beijing

A Doll's House is Henrik Ibsen's best-known masterpiece. He paints a bleak picture of the sacrificial role of women in all economic classes in society. The play has had a far-reaching impact on the development of Chinese literature and drama.

In 2014, the National Center for the Performing Arts produced a new version of A Doll's House to mark the centennial of its China premiere, bringing together a top-grade crew and shifting the emphasis from solely feminist ideology to marriage and family contradictions.

The play, in three acts, centers on an ordinary family－bank lawyer Torvald Helmer, his wife Nora and their three children.

Mulan

When: Dec 18, 7:30 pm

Where: Shanghai Poly Grand Theater

The dance drama Mulan attempts to interpret the classic Chinese story of Hua Mulan through dance.

The young Chinese woman disguises herself as a man and joins the army, taking her father's place, according to an ancient poem. Smart, brave and determined, she flouts tradition to embrace her true potential, blazing a courageous trail in the fight against the enemy.

The Great Pirate Adventure

When: Nov 30 and Dec 1, 10:30 am, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Where: Jiangsu Center for the Performing Arts, Nanjing

PAW Patrol is a Canadian animated TV series. Led by a boy named Ryder, a team of six rescue dogs use their individual talents to protect the seaside town of Adventure Bay.

Adapted from the series, the latest stage play is touring around China.

It's Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap'n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway's celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first. The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup.

Aida

When: Jan 12 and 13, 7:30 pm

Where: Changsha Meixihu Poly Grand Theater

Composed by Giuseppe Verdi with librettist Antonio Ghislanzoni, Aida was commissioned for the opening of the Khedivial Opera House in Cairo and was first performed in 1871.

Along with La Traviata and Il Trovatore, Aida cemented Verdi as one of the most talented composers in history, with his repertoire still regularly performed to captivated crowds across the globe.

Split into four acts, the opera is a story of heartbreak and betrayal. Set in the midst of a war between Egypt and Ethiopia, this moving and timelessly tragic love story centers on the ill-fated and forbidden romance of Aida and Radames.

From Aida, the Egyptian princess and soprano, to Radames, the great warrior and lead tenor, scenes are dramatic, moving and evocative. Aida's characters also include the mezzo-soprano Amneris and baritone Amonasro, bringing Verdi's beautiful score and instrumental melodies to life.