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
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.