The Peasant Prince: the play

This extraordinary play for young people is an adaptation of Li Cunxin's picture book The Peasant Prince - the true story of Mao's Last Dancer.

Adapted by Monkey Baa, Australia's leading theatre company for young audiences, The Peasant Prince has toured nationally, performing to tens of thousands of young people and their families throughout rural and regional Australia.

The production was awarded Most Outstanding Production for Children (the Glugs), Best Production for Children (Sydney Theatre Awards) and a Drover's Award for Best Touring Production (Australian Performing Arts and Producers Awards).

Li, a 10-year-old 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, he transforms from an impoverished peasant to a giant of the international dance scene. What does he find along the way?

The Peasant Prince is a remarkable true story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope.

'A poignant gem' —Sydney Arts Guide

'Vital, exuberant, aspirational, and inspirational' —Australian Stage

'Monkey Baa Theatre Company has created another wonderful work for children'—Broadway World