Show Notes
What happens when your first book becomes a global sensation? For Li Cunxin, his memoir Mao's Last Dancer, and it's celebrated film adaptation, was only half the story. In Part 2 of this in-depth interview, we dive into his latest book, The Lucky Son and the events that drove him to write it. We talk through the experience of his family finally seeing him performing on stage , his marriage to fellow ballet dancer Mary and their relationship with their daughter Sophie, who was born profoundly deaf. We also discuss the lasting impression his Houston Ballet director Ben Stevenson had on him, and his surprise final chapter with the Queensland Ballet.
First, Read is hosted by Charle Malycon, and this episode's guest is Li Cunxin. To read more about The Lucky Son, see our website: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-lucky-son-9781761352607
Produced by Liz Burnett. Video Production by Michael Windle and Maia Longhurst. Additional research and scripting by Lydia Burgham. Theme song composed by Kieran Parker. Content co-ordination by Tiana Warner. Graphic design by Olivia Mead.
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