Screen to stage

Martial arts sequences play a significant role in Zhang Yimou’s

films. But as many fans of foreign cinema know, the Chinese-born

director prides himself on writing scripts that are heavy on social

commentary.

In less than two weeks, audiences will see Zhang Yimou’s work in a

new way, when his latest project, a ballet version of his 1991 film

“Raise the Red Lantern,” makes its Southern California premiere at

the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The National Ballet of China will perform the piece from Sept. 20

to 25 at the arts center.

As a kickoff to that event, the Orange County Performing Arts

Center is joining forces with the Orange County Museum of Art and the

Newport Beach Film Festival on Sunday to present a free night of film

screenings at the museum.

For those unfamiliar with Zhang Yimou’s work, the event is a

chance to play catch-up.

“This is a natural tie-in,” said Gregg Schwenk, executive director

of the film festival and coordinator of the film screenings. “The

film is the basis for the ballet. It has such amazing action and has

a moving story line.”

The film version, which starred actress Li Gong, was nominated for

an Academy Award in 1992.

The ballet, directed by Zhang Yimou, uses a fusion of Western and

Chinese traditional dance to tell the story of a well-educated young

girl forced into becoming the fourth wife of the lord of a powerful

family. The women compete for a raised red lantern, a sign of their

master’s approval.

During the ballet’s run at the performing arts center, Cyrus

Parker-Jeannette, chair of Chapman University’s department of theater

and dance, will introduce the ballet and its underlying themes in a

talk an hour before each performance.

A student of 20th century ballet and modern dance,

Parker-Jeannette has watched on video the ballet version of “Raise

the Red Lantern,” which made its debut in 2001.

“It will be interesting to see how it [the story] translates to

the live stage,” Parker-Jeannette said. “There are moments that are

stunningly beautiful -- just like in the film.”

In addition to “Raise the Red Lantern,” the 2002 film “Hero”

staring Jet Li will be shown during Sunday’s screening. Zhang Yimou,

who was also behind “House of Flying Daggers,” is known to focus on

strong female characters in his films, Parker-Jeanette said.

During the intermission, the Southern California Wushu Team will

perform a traditional dragon dance. The group is led by “Mortal

Kombat” actor Robin Shou.

Orange County cinema fans were introduced to Shou’s work a few

years ago, when a film he directed played at the Newport Beach Film

Festival.

Schwenk said he is expecting a sold-out crowd of more than 200

people at the film screenings.

Seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Sept. 18, Parker-Jeannette will discuss the history of Chinese

ballet and recurring themes of Zhang Yimou’s films in an event

planned in conjunction with the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art.

Parker-Jeannette said “Raise the Red Lantern” is a metaphor for

Chinese history and the role of women in society.

“He [Zhang Yimou] clearly has women who are strong and

unconventional,” she said. “And yet it’s like a romantic ballet.

There’s always love and a type of Shakespearean tragedy in the female

heroic figures.”

IF YOU GO

* WHAT: Heroic Beauty: A Celebration of the Films of Zhang Yimou

* WHEN: 6:15 p.m. Sunday

* WHERE: Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Drive,

Newport Beach

* COST: Free

* CONTACT: o7www.newport beachfilmfest.comf7 to make

reservations, which are recommended

* ELIA POWERS is the enterprise and general assignment reporter.

He may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or by e-mail at

o7elia.powers@latimes.comf7.