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The Peasant Prince
A story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope.
The Peasant Prince
The children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, The Peasant Prince is an extraordinary production of a remarkable story – of a peasant boy turned dance giant. It will inspire and enthral young audiences.
The Peasant Prince tells the remarkable true story of a 10-year-old peasant boy’s journey from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene. This is a story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope.
Li, a 10-year old peasant boy is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. He leaves everything and everyone he loves, including his family. Over years of gruelling training, this boy transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international dance scene. Li’s courage, resilience and unwavering hope for a better life for himself and his family makes The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we can be.
Monkey Baa's extraordinary production won Best Production at The Glugs and The Sydney Theatre Awards and a Drover's Award for the Best Tour in 2016.
Workshops and learning packs are also available to all school-group bookings, see below for more information.
Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Photos by Heidrun Lohr
- Venue ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
- Dates 03 May — 08 May 2024
- Duration 60 minutes (no interval)
- Ages Ages 7-12
- Years Years 2-6
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Education Program
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ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
TicketsStudents$21.00One complimentary teacher ticket per 10 students. Additional teachers at $21.
Dates and TimesFri 03 May10:30 (Almost Sold Out) | 12:30Mon 06 May10:30 | 12:30Tue 07 May10:30 (Sold Out) | 12:30Wed 08 May10:30 |
The Peasant Prince Workshops
Join Li on his adventure from China to the international dance scene with engaging drama games and activities as you explore the themes and world of The Peasant Prince, based on Mao’s Last Dancer.
Our dynamic workshops empower students to build courage through creativity while developing skills across all areas of theatre making. Workshops can be tailored to suit all students’ needs, abilities and areas of study.
Our experienced Teaching Artist will visit your school and run the workshop in the classroom. Watch as your students build confidence and explore their creativity in an experience they will never forget.
Click here for more information, or email alex@monkeybaa.com.au to organise a workshop at your school
Suitable for | Years 2 - 6
Duration | 60mins
Learning Pack
Our learning pack follows Li Cunxin’s journey from China to the international dance scene and the story of the play, providing historical context, with activities for your classroom. Designed for students in years 4, 5 and 6, the pack includes activities for Drama, Art, English, and History, with links to the Australian Curriculum.
Click Here to access our e-Learning Pack, or email alex@monkeybaa.com.au to find out more.
Q&A Sessions
All Education Performances at ARA Darling Quarter Theatre will be concluded with a Question and Answer session with the cast of The Peasant Prince. Students are invited to talk and interact with the artists, and will hear about the unique perspectives our artists have of the story and the creative process.
National Tour
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NSW
PenrithQ Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 11 May – 13 May, 2024Buy TicketsBelroseGlen Street Theatre 16 May – 18 May, 2024Buy TicketsParramattaRiverside Parramatta 21 May – 22 May, 2024Buy TicketsWollongongIllawarra Performing Arts Centre 03 Sep – 04 Sep, 2024Buy TicketsNowraShoalhaven Entertainment Centre 06 Sep 2024Buy TicketsWagga WaggaWagga Wagga Civic Theare 09 Sep – 10 Sep, 2024Buy TicketsOrangeOrange Civic Theatre 12 Sep 2024Buy TicketsGriffithGriffith Regional Theatre 16 Sep 2024Buy TicketsWyongThe Art House Wyong 19 Sep – 20 Sep, 2024Coming SoonTareeManning Entertainment Centre 23 Sep – 24 Sep, 2024Coming Soon -
QLD
Cairns CityCairns Performing Arts Centre 04 Jun 2024Buy TicketsRockhampton CityPilbeam Theatre 06 Jun – 07 Jun, 2024Buy TicketsMackayMackay Entertainment and Convention Centre 10 Jun – 11 Jun, 2024Buy TicketsLogan CentralLogan Entertainment Centre 14 Jun 2024Buy TicketsBundaberg CentralMoncrieff Entertainment Centre 18 Jun 2024Buy Tickets -
VIC
MilduraMildura Arts Centre 23 Jul 2024Coming SoonBendigoUlumbarra Theatre 30 Jul 2024Buy TicketsWarrnamboolLighthouse Theatre 01 Aug 2024Buy TicketsGeelongGeelong Arts Centre 08 Aug 2024Buy TicketsFrankstonFrankston Arts Centre 13 Aug 2024Buy TicketsHamiltonHamilton Performing Arts Centre 15 Aug – 16 Aug, 2024Coming SoonNarre WarrenBunjil Place 19 Aug – 20 Aug, 2024Buy Tickets -
NT
Alice SpringsAraluen Arts Centre 31 May 2024Buy Tickets
Creative Team
Eva Di Cesare
Sandie Eldridge
Tim McGarry
Tim McGarry
Egan Sun-Bin
Michael Hankin
Daryl Wallis
Danielle Micich
Lia Reutens
Sian James-Holland
Matt Cox
Li Cunxin
“It’s a vivid piece of storytelling that is skillful, theatrical and inspiring. It was a loving and honest adaptation of Li’s treasured memoir." — Stage Whispers
"The Peasant Prince is vital, exuberant, aspirational, and inspirational."
Australian Stage
"Monkey Baa Theatre Company has created another wonderful work for children."
Broadway World
"My son was entranced and my daughter was mesmerised. I was drawn in by the magical telling of a powerful story told so simply and so well."
Sydney Arts Guide
"Monkey Baa has created, yet again, a gem for children and adults alike."
Theatre Now
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Contact us for more details about wheelchair and companion positions in the theatre
National Relay Service
If you are d/Deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Assisted Listening
Assisted listening devices are available in the theatre.
Acknowledgements
Supported by
