Dunhuang: In Search of Light

Dunhuang

Dunhuang: In Search of Light WORLD PREMIERE

16 - 18 October, 2026

Co-produced with

Embark on a luminous voyage of self-reflection

From the brilliant team that brought the runaway-hit The Butterfly Lovers comes an epic new ballet inspired by Dunhuang sand dunes, Silk Road cave temples where cultures met and flourished and Hermann Hesse’s iconic 1922 novel ‘Siddhartha’. Dunhuang: In Search of Light tells the story of a young man and his search for enlightenment, as he learns about temptation, love, lust and a path toward inner light and growth, guided by several Feitian (Flying Apsaras), celestial beings symbolising grace and movement, along the way. Powerful classical ballet is fused with immersive, cutting-edge visuals and living frescoes that celebrate personal awakening, wisdom and compassion.

View Show Times

16 - 18 October, 2026

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Ticket Price

$1,380 (limited VIP tickets), $1,100, $880, $680, $480, $280

Ages 6 and above

Introduction

HKB Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and co-choreographer and librettist Mai Jingwen join forces with award-winning composer Tian Mi (The Butterfly Lovers), acclaimed costume designer Dieuweke Van Reij (Frida), visionary set designer Jonathan Wong and lighting designer Yeung Tsz Yan (The Impossible Trial) and prolific digital visual designer Dan Fong. Step into Dunhuang, where every grain of sand tells a story, and true awakening does not come from escaping the world but from entering it fully with love, courage and sensitivity.

In a landmark collaboration, HKB partners for the first time with the Dunhuang Academy, bringing the richness and authenticity of Dunhuang’s cultural heritage to the stage, and deepening the production’s artistic and historical resonance.

Commissioned by GBA International Theatre Festival

Special thanks: Leonie KI, Founder, Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble (for her generous support and valuable advice)

With thanks to Ms Li Li, Director of Dunhuang Dance Stage Arts Practice Research Centre, Lanzhou University of Arts and Science, for academic and artistic advice on Dunhuang dance.

Show Times

16 - 18 October, 2026 Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre View Show Time

Fri

16 Oct

7:30 pm

Sat

17 Oct

7:30 pm

Sat

17 Oct

2:30 pm

Sun

18 Oct

7:30 pm

Sun

18 Oct

2:30 pm

About Dunhuang: In Search of Light

Creative Team

Hu Song Wei Ricky Choreography and Libretto

Mai Jingwen Choreography and Libretto

Tian Mi Music

Jonathan Wong Set Design

Dieuweke Van Reij Costume Design

Dan Fong Video Design

Yeung Tsz Yan Lighting Design

Hong Kong Sinfonietta (with musicians from the Hong Kong Gaudeamus Dunhuang Ensemble Live Music

Vivian Ip Conductor

Cast List

Dunhuang: Luminous Resonance

Dunhuang: In Search of Light Exhibition

Dunhuang: In Search of Light is more than a ballet; it is a spiritual pilgrimage. To celebrate this world premiere, an exciting new exhibition will take audiences behind the scenes of an extraordinary creative journey.

Inspired by Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha and ancient Silk Road cave temples, the exhibition explores dance, music and immersive visuals, and visitors can experience soaring, Dunhuang-inspired video installations and exclusive insights from the cast.

Don’t miss the unique Dunhuang Art Doll Collection created by renowned local doll artist Ning Lau. To support sustainability in the arts, Ning hand-sewed each collectible doll using 90% upcycled fabrics from the actual production costumes. Acclaimed director Cheung Kit Bong then created three brilliant stop-motion videos to bring the Siddhartha, Mara and Nine-Coloured Deer dolls to life.