numbers were based on the folk songs of Hainan Island, a place that, with its coconut trees rustling in tropical wind, evokes much romantic ethos. Though there are unmistakable elements of Chinese music, the music of this ballet was performed with basically a Western symphony orchestra. On 25 December 2015 Chinese Choreographer Wen Hui, the German Director and Dramaturge Kai Tuchmann, and the author Zhuang Jiayun premiered their work RED at the Power Station of Art in Shanghai. RED is a reinterpretation of The Red Detachment of Women and it analyses this model opera/ballet as a politico-cultural symbol that became part of the collective consciousness during the Cultural Revolution. Since its premiere in China, RED is touring around Asia and Europe. Synopsis Place: Yelinzhai ("Stronghold of the coconut woods"), Hainan Island, China Time: The Ten-Year Civil War (1927-1937) Main Characters: Hong Changqing, Commissar of the Red Detachment of Women Wu Qinghua, daughter of a peasant, later a soldier, and finally the Commissar Lian Zhang, literally the Company Commander Xiao Pang, or "Little Pang," the Messenger Nanbatian, literally "the Tyrant of the South" Ou Guangsi (Lao Si), Nanbatian's Lackey Prologue In his dungeon, Nanbatian, the despotic landlord, has imprisoned his tenants who are unable to pay their exorbitant rents. Wu Qinghua, daughter of a poor peasant, is chained to a column. Lao Si comes with the order of Nanbatian to sell Wu. Lao Si releases Wu from the chain. While Lao Si is in an unguarded moment, Wu kicks him, and he loses his balance and falls. Wu manages to escape while two other inmates hold Lao Si to the ground. Major numbers: Pas de deux of two inmates Act I Immediately after the prologue. Night has fallen in the coconut forest and Wu Qinghua is desperately running away from Lao Si and his lackeys. She is soon recaptured. Nanbatian and his entourage arrive. The Tyrant whips Wu until she loses consciousness. A thunderstorm approaches, so Nanbatian and his followers leave and Wu is left for dead. Hong Changqing, the Commissar, and Xiao Pang, the Messenger, who are on a reconnaissance mission in disguise, pass by. They save Wu and point her the way to the camp of the Red Army. Major numbers: Dance of Lao Si and his lackeys Wu Qinghua's Solo No. 1 Wu Qinghua's fight with Lao Si Wu Qinghua's fight with Nanbatian Group dance of slaves Wu