| Chao-Kang | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Native title | Chao-Kang |
| Choreographer | Louis Henry |
| Music | Luigi Carlini |
| Premiere | 16 October 1834 |
| Genre | Pantomime |
| Type | Ballet |
Chao-Kang is a French ballet-pantomime created in 1834 and performed in Paris during the Romantic period.
| Chao-Kang | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Native title | Chao-Kang |
| Choreographer | Louis Henry |
| Music | Luigi Carlini |
| Premiere | 16 October 1834 |
| Genre | Pantomime |
| Type | Ballet |
Chao-Kang is a French ballet-pantomime created in 1834 and performed in Paris during the Romantic period.
Chao-Kang was directed by French choreographer Louis Henry with music arranged by Italian composer Luigi Carlini. Henry authored the work and developed the choreography. [1] The ballet, presented in three acts, was in the pantomime genre and concluded with an epilogue by Louis Henry. [2] Henry appears to have undertaken a detailed study of the customs and ways of life among China's people. [2]
On 16 October 1834, Chao-Kang was premiered at the Théâtre Nautique, with Louis Henry in the title role and Madame Laurent as Chao-Kang's fiancée. [3] The cast also featured Louis-François Gosselin as Han-Tsou and Télémaque, a dancer, in the role of a young Mandarin. [4] The set and costume design drew inspiration from Ancient China and the Xia dynasty, recognized as China's first recorded dynasty.
| Role | Première cast, 16 October 1834 (Cast member: - ) |
|---|---|
| Chao Kang | Louis Henry |
| Chao Kang's fiancee | Madame Laurent |
| Han-Tsou | Louis-François Gosselin |
| Young Mandarin | Télémaque |
| Old Mandarin | Laurent |
The ballet combines moral and political themes, celebrating the triumph of rightful rule over usurpation. [2] Chao-Kang follows the story of Chao Kang, the son of the dethroned Tai Kang of the Yu dynasty. The antagonist is a wealthy Chinese lord who, despite controlling vast provinces and treasures, desires the crown. Lacking the bravery to win it in battle, he seizes it deceitfully, forcing the emperor into exile. [2] After his mother, Empress Ming, escapes a massacre, she raises him in hiding as a shepherd boy. When his identity is discovered, the governor seeks to restore him to the throne. At 30, Chao Kang leads a successful conspiracy against the usurper, restoring him as the legitimate ruler. [5] As punishment, the illegitimate ruler is publicly displayed in an iron cage to the people's satisfaction. [2]
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