Renowned ballet dancer and author Li Cunxin will appear in conversation with celebrated journalist and screenwriter Benjamin Law to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated new book, The Lucky Son, the long-awaited follow-up to his international bestseller Mao’s Last Dancer.
In Mao’s Last Dancer, Li captivated readers worldwide with his extraordinary rags-to-riches journey, from a young boy plucked from rural poverty in Communist China to becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers. Now, in The Lucky Son, he reflects on the next chapter of his remarkable life.
During the intimate evening, Li will share hard-won insights on learning and leadership, love and legacy, and the enduring power of dreaming big. As a celebrated artist living in the West, he explores the complexities of cultural identity, personal sacrifice, and the emotional pull between two very different worlds — the dazzling yet demanding international ballet scene and the humble family he left behind in rural China.
Li also discusses his life with his wife Mary, his former dance partner, and his pivotal role in building a new-generation ballet company that has transformed the Australian dance landscape and taken its artists to the world stage. His story is a powerful reminder that whether success comes through luck or unrelenting dedication, fortune often favours the brave, and that the greatest performance of all is the one we give in our own hearts.
Exclusively for attendees, every ticket includes a copy of The Lucky Son, available a full week before its official public release.
The special one-night-only event will take place on Monday 29 September at 6:30pm in QPAC’s Concert Hall.
Tickets start from $79 and are on sale now at qpac.com.au.
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