The National Ballet of China is bringing The Dream of Red Mansions to Shanghai, and it’s a total feast for the eyes. Expect sweeping love stories, jaw-dropping choreography, and some seriously stunning costumes that make the Grand View Garden come alive on stage. Whether you’re a ballet newbie or a longtime fan, this is one of those shows that just sticks with you.

Synopsis

Prologue

Across a vast wilderness, Baoyu begins his journey of retreat. The spirits of the women from the Grand View Garden drift back as blossoms in the wind, lingering around him. In their shadows appear the figures of Baoyu and Daiyu’s former lives—the Crimson Pearl Flower and the Divine Attendant—bound by an eternal, tragic love.

Act I, Scene 1

In Baoyu’s gaze, the splendor of the Rongguo Mansion returns, resplendent with music and color. Young Baoyu is adored by all, while Lin Daiyu arrives by boat, entering the mansion’s deep courtyards. Their first meeting stirs memories of a bond that stretches back three lifetimes.

Act I, Scene 2

Childlike innocence is shared between Baoyu and Daiyu, yet the arrival of Xue Baochai unsettles the balance. The golden locket she wears seems destined to pair with Baoyu’s jade, leaving Daiyu with quiet sorrow. Torn between two hearts, Baoyu struggles to find peace.

Act I, Scene 3

Obeying his father’s wishes, Baoyu recites his lessons but drifts into dreams. Surrounded by the family’s affection and its suffocating bonds, he is swept into the wheel of fate. With Princess Yuanchun’s appearance, the family’s glory reaches its peak.

Act I, Scene 4

Baoyu and Daiyu read The Romance of the Western Chamber, their youthful hearts awakening. Baochai chases butterflies while the garden blooms with vitality, but Daiyu remains apart, burying fallen flowers in mournful solitude: “Today they laugh at me for grieving flowers—who will grieve for me when I am gone?”

Act II, Scene 1

Baoyu rebels, calling friends to play and provoking his father’s furious punishment. Wounded, he awakens to find Daiyu’s tender care, and a handkerchief exchanged reveals his true devotion. His deepest feelings are etched into every word.

Act II, Scene 2

At night, friends gather in Baoyu’s chamber to celebrate his birthday. Ranks and titles are forgotten as youth embrace freedom in one last joyous carnival. Outside, disaster strikes: the family estate is raided, Princess Yuanchun passes away, and Baoyu, broken and bereft of his jade, loses both mind and soul.

Act II, Scene 3

Wang Xifeng arranges a false wedding to “cure” Baoyu. But while one side feigns joy, Daiyu burns her writings in sorrow. When the bridal veil is lifted, Baoyu’s grief bursts forth in anguish—song and life alike come to their end.

Epilogue

Alone in a boundless land, Baoyu wanders as flower spirits surround him. Once more he encounters, and parts from, the love that tied his life to eternity. In an instant, it is both a fleeting dream and forever.

• Stage & Dance