The National Ballet of China debuts the ballet "Raise the Red Lantern," which is adapted by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou according to his film of the same name, during "Chinese Cultural Festival" held in Washington on Oct. 7. 

As an adaptation of Zhang Yimou's film of the same name, the story is set in the 1930s. After her fathers death, nineteen year old Songlian is forced to marry Chen ZuoQian, the lord of a powerful family. Fifty year old Chen has already three wives, each of them living in separate houses within the great castle. Chen's other two wives, who are jealous of each other, receive the bride unwillingly.

The competition between the wives is tough, as their master’s attention carries power, status and privileges. Each night Chen must decide which wife to spend the night with and a red lantern is lit in front of the house of his choice. And each wife schemes and plots to make sure it’s hers. However, things get out of hand…

The lord and his three wives pass the time playing mahjong and watching Peking Opera at home. They enjoy the opera so much that they arrange to invite the performers to play mahjong with them. During the mahjong game, the third wife rendezvous with her lover, a martial arts performer in the opera troupe.

The jealous second wife discovers their secret and informs the lord. Despite this act of loyalty, the second wife fails to gain the lord's favour and in fact infuriates him. She rapidly goes insane. In the end, the tense feudal family structure bloodily crashes down.

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