This September, Guangdong will become a vibrant stage for international performing arts, presenting a captivating lineup of foreign productions. From the fiery passion of Spanish Flamenco to the innovative elegance of British ballet, this cultural guide invites you to immerse yourself in the collision and charm of diverse cultures.
Matthew Bourne's "Swan Lake"
Matthew Bourne's "Swan Lake" is a landmark in contemporary ballet, reimagining the classic Russian masterpiece, while preserving Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Premiering in 1995, this groundbreaking production is best known for its bold reinterpretation of the swan — cast entirely with male dancers — a creative choice that has captivated audiences worldwide and redefined ballet for a new generation.
The longest-running ballet in London's West End and Broadway history, it has won over 30 international awards. Through powerful dance, it explores the prince's growth and inner journey, with male swans symbolizing freedom and wildness, showcasing unique strength and grace on stage.
Time: 19:30, September 12 (Fri), 2025; 14:30/19:30, September 13-14 (Sat-Sun), 2025
Ticket prices: 180, 280, 380, 580, 680, 880 yuan
Venue: Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House (广州大剧院 歌剧厅)
Address: No. 1, Zhujiang West Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区珠江新城珠江西路1号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Spanish Flamenco interpretation of "Carmen"
Adapted from the classic novella by French author Prosper Mérimée and famously transformed into an opera by Georges Bizet in 1874, "Carmen" takes on new life in this flamenco interpretation — a visually and emotionally arresting performance.
Ibérica de Danza remains faithful to the original storyline, vividly presenting the emotional entanglement between Carmen and Don José, from passionate love to ultimate betrayal. Bizet's iconic melodies are preserved and reinvented with traditional instruments to enrich the texture that fits the characters' cultural roots. The vivid red of Carmen's dress, the ornate bullfighter costumes, and the evocative Spanish-style set design combine to create a truly immersive and unforgettable stage experience.
Ibérica de Danza:
Shenzhen show
Time: 20:00, September 10 (Wed), 2025
Ticket prices: 180, 280, 380, 480, 580 yuan
Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center Theatre (南山文体中心聚橙剧院)
Address: No. 2106-3, Nanshan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen (深圳市南山区南山大道2106-3号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Zhuhai show
Time: 19:30, September 12 (Fri), 2025
Ticket prices: 180, 280, 380, 480, 680 yuan
Venue: Xiangshan Theatre, Xiangshan Culture & Arts Center (香山文化艺术中心·香山剧场)
Address: No. 868, Jianmin Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai (珠海市香洲区健民路868号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Dongguan show
Time: 20:00, September 13 (Sat), 2025
Ticket prices: 100, 280, 380, 480, 580 yuan
Venue: Dongguan Yulan Theatre (东莞玉兰大剧院)
Address: No. 96, Hongfu Road, Nancheng Subdistrict, Dongguan (东莞市南城街道鸿福路96号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Ballet Flamenco de Madrid:
Shenzhen show
Time: 20:00, September 18 (Thu), 2025; 20:00, September 19 (Fri), 2025
Ticket prices: 180, 280, 380, 480, 680, 880 yuan
Venue: Huaxia Arts Center (深圳华夏艺术中心)
Address: No. 1, Guangqiao Street, OCT, Shenzhen (深圳市华侨城光侨街1号)
Follow the WeChat account of Huaxia Arts Center to buy tickets.
Guangzhou show
Time: 15:00/ 20:00, September 20 (Sat), 2025
Ticket prices: 180, 280, 380, 480, 680, 880 yuan
Venue: Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall (广州星海音乐厅·交响乐演奏大厅)
Address: No. 33, Qingbo Road, Ersha Island, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区二沙岛晴波路33号)
Scan the QR code to buy tickets:
Foshan show
Time: 19:30, September 21 (Sun), 2025
Ticket prices: 100, 180, 280, 380, 480, 680 yuan
Venue: Foshan Grand Theatre (佛山大剧院)
Address: No. 1, Huakang Road, Lecong Town, Shunde District, Foshan (佛山市顺德区乐从镇华康道1号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Russian theatrical masterpieces: "Eugene Onegin" & "Uncle Vanya"
From September 11 to 14, Russia's Vakhtangov Theatre will present "Eugene Onegin" and "Uncle Vanya" at Bay Opera of Shenzhen, which is the exclusive stop of the tour in Southern China.
Adapted from Pushkin's verse novel, "Eugene Onegin" has won prestigious awards, including Russia's "Golden Mask Award". Centered on the emotional entanglement between nobleman Onegin and the innocent Tatyana, the production weaves in iconic moments such as duels and dramatic reunions.
Time: 19:30, September 11 (Thu), 2025; 19:30, September 12 (Fri), 2025
Ticket prices: 280, 480, 680, 880, 1080 yuan (charity tickets 50 yuan)
Venue: Opera Hall, Bay Opera of Shenzhen (深圳滨海艺术中心 歌剧厅)
Address: No. 16, OH Bay, Bao'an Road, Haibin Community, Xin'an Subdistrict, Bao'an District, Shenzhen (深圳市宝安区新安街道海滨社区宝安路欢乐港湾16号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Chekhov's classic "Uncle Vanya", also a "Golden Mask Award" winner, depicts the upheaval of life and emotional turmoil of farm manager Vanya after the return of a retired professor, profoundly capturing themes of conflict and reconciliation.
Time: 19:30, September 13 (Sat), 2025; 14:30, September 14 (Sun), 2025
Ticket prices: 280, 480, 680, 780, 980 yuan (charity tickets 50 yuan)
Venue: Opera Hall, Bay Opera of Shenzhen (深圳滨海艺术中心 歌剧厅)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Ballets "Juliet and Romeo" & "Othello"
The ballet "Juliet and Romeo", adapted from Shakespeare's classic, breaks tradition by placing Juliet at the heart of the narrative — a bold, rebellious figure challenging societal norms. Romeo, portrayed as a gentle, reserved young man, contrasts sharply with Juliet, underscoring the tension between tradition and transformation.
Time: 19:30, September 20 (Sat), 2025
Ticket prices: 100, 180, 280, 380, 680 yuan
Venue: Guangdong Friendship Theatre (广东省友谊剧院)
Address: No. 696, Renmin North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区人民北路696号)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
The ballet "Othello" reinterprets Shakespeare's tragedy in a harbor setting, emphasizing Othello's identity dilemma, and Desdemona's modern strength. With dynamic wave projections and iron net staging, paired with Dvořák's symphonies, it creates a powerful backdrop for a dance-driven exploration of race, gender, and human contradiction.
Time: 19:30, September 21 (Sun), 2025
Ticket Prices: 100, 180, 280, 380, 480, 680 yuan
Venue: Guangdong Friendship Theatre (广东省友谊剧院)
Scan the QR code to purchase tickets.
Author | Ye Ziyi (intern), Liu Lingzhi
Editor | James Campion, Shen He
Photo | Guangdong Friendship Theatre, Guangzhou Opera House, Xinghai Concert Hall, Bay Opera of Shenzhen, Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre, Dongguan Yulan Theatre
