The Peasant Prince 2024
Based on the book by by Li Cunxin, Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Monkey Baa is thrilled to announce the return of their award-winning production of The Peasant Prince in 2024. The children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, this is an extraordinary production of a remarkable story – of peasant boy turned dance giant – to inspire and enthral young audiences.
“You have your secret dreams. Follow them. Make them come true.”
The children’s version of Li Cunxin’s iconic autobiography, Mao’s Last Dancer, The Peasant Prince tells a 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 make The Peasant Prince a story to ignite our own aspirations to be the best person we can be. Audiences will be captivated by this very personal story, truly a 20th century fairy tale.
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. Now it returns to enthral new young audiences.
MULTI AWARD-WINNING
Most Outstanding Production for Children
The Glugs
Best Production for Children
Sydney Theatre Awards
Best Tour in 2016
Drovers Awards
REVIEWS
"Monkey Baa writers Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry are dab hands at adapting books for young audiences."
The Australian
"We were blown away."
Kid Bucket List
"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
"This was an amazing play."
Stage Noise
TOURING IN 2024
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre Penrith, NSW | Land of the Darug People
11-13 May | BOOK
Glen Street Theatre, NSW | Land of the Garigal People
16-18 May | BOOK
Riverside Theatre Parramatta, NSW | Land of the Darug People
21-22 May | BOOK
Darwin Entertainment Centre, NT | Land of the Larrakia People
27-28 May | BOOK
Cairns Performing Arts Centre, QLD | Land of the Gimuy-walubarra yidi People
4 June | BOOK
Pilbeam Theatre Rockhampton, QLD | Land of the Darumbal People
6-7 June | BOOK
Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, QLD | Land of the Yuiberra People
10-11 June | BOOK
Logan Entertainment Centre, QLD | Land of the Yagara and Yugambeh Peoples
14 June | BOOK
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre Bundaberg, QLD | Land of the Taribelang People
18 June | BOOK
Mildura Arts Centre, VIC | Land of the Ladji Ladji People
23 July | BOOK
Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, VIC | Land of the Bpangerang People
25-26 July | BOOK
Ulumbarra Theatre Bendigo, VIC | Land of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples
29-30 July | BOOK
Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool, VIC | Land of the Gunditjmara People
1-2 August | BOOK
Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, VIC | Land of the Gulidjan and Gadubanud Peoples
6 August | BOOK
Geelong Arts Centre, VIC | Land of the Wathaurong People
8-9 August | BOOK
Frankston Arts Centre, VIC | Land of the Bunurong People
12-13 August | BOOK
Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, VIC | Land of the Gunditjmara, Tjap Wurrung and Buganditj Peoples
15-16 August | BOOK
Bunjil Place Narre Warren, VIC | Land of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung & Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples
19-20 August | BOOK
Forge Theatre and Arts Hub Bairnsdale, VIC | Land of the Gunaikurnai, Monero and the Bidawel Peoples
22-23 August | BOOK
Riverlinks Venues Shepparton, VIC | Land of the Yorta Yorta People
2
6-27 August | BOOK
Canberra Theatre Centre, ACT | Land of the Ngunnawal People
30-31 August | BOOK
Merrigong Theatre Company Wollongong, NSW | Land of the Dharawal (Thuruwul) People
3-4 September | BOOK
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, NSW | Land of the Dharawal and Yuun Peoples
6 September | BOOK
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, NSW | Land of the Wiradjuri People
9-10 September | BOOK
Orange Civic Theatre, NSW | Land of the Wiradjuri People
12-13 September | BOOK
Griffith Regional Theatre, NSW | Land of the Wiradjuri People
16-17 September | BOOK
The Art House Wyong, NSW | Land of the Darkinjung People
19-20 September | BOOK
Manning Entertainment Centre Taree, NSW | Land of the Biripi People
23-24 September | BOOK
Touring
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.