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Li Cunxin: The Lucky Son at The Wheeler Centre

Photo credit: © Penguin Random House

Event

Li Cunxin: The Lucky Son at The Wheeler Centre


Time & date

6:30pm - 7:30pm, 20th October 2026


Location

The Wheeler Centre View map

176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000


Tickets

Bookings Essential

$25.50 Full $19.50 Concession $19.50 Under 30 Members get standard 10% discount across all reserves. Groups 6+ can access exclusive discounts and other benefits.

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About

Li Cunxin, one of the world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers and cultural leaders, lifts the curtain on his much-anticipated second memoir, The Lucky Son.

Born into a poor rural family in the People’s Republic of China, Li Cunxin grew up under Mao Zedong’s rule during the formation of the new communist nation. His extraordinary talent saw him selected to train at the Beijing Dance Academy before he was chosen to study at the Houston Ballet. After defecting to the United States, Li moved to Australia in 1995.

His memoir, Mao’s Last Dancer, was published in 2003 to critical acclaim and later adapted into the celebrated 2009 film, introducing audiences around the world to his remarkable journey. In his second memoir, The Lucky Son, Li reflects on the next chapter of his life – from his illustrious career in Australia to the challenges and opportunities of migration, family and belonging. 

He joins Tim Byrne to share his extraordinary story and reflect on the enduring power of the arts to change lives.

Book

The Lucky Son

The sequel to Mao's Last Dancer - the highly anticipated follow up to one of the world’s most beloved books.

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