Message from cmccarty
As an aside, I saw the Chinese ballet perform an adaption of this story in 2005 or 2006. It was one of the most incredible productions I've ever seen. One scene represented the concubine's rape as she is being chased behind an backlit screen and then falling with yards and yards of bright red silk flowing from her as she laid dramatically on the stage. Another memorable scene is where she and/or her lover are beaten to death. The dancers take padded bats and beat a large screen with red paint which appears after awhile to be drenched in blood. This was a dance albeit a theatrical dance. However, it's not traditional Western ballet but it's not Chinese acrobatics either. I can't describe it. I've always wanted to see the ballet perform again, but I read years ago, that they would not be allowed to perform outside of China. It's been many years since I checked so in preparation of writing this response, I once again looked for information and it appears the website for the National Ballet of China no longer exists and hasn't since 2006
I highly recommend if anyone ever has a chance to see this amazing troupe, to please do so. But again, don't go expecting traditional ballet or Chinese acrobats; yet, you will be truly touched.