A ballet that revives the last mission of Marco Polo will open the 12th Shanghai International Arts Festival.

The ballet is a cooperation of Shanghai Ballet Troupe and top artists from the explorer's home country -- Italy.

Marco Polo: the Last Mission is the brain child of a stellar team.

The Shanghai Ballet Troupe usually draws inspiration from Chinese folk tales to create its original ballets. The international cast and exotic story line of their latest creation, demonstrates a new approach for the troupe.

The mysterious and romantic journey is brought to life with choreography from Martinez. The Parisian choreographer has intertwined various dance forms including Indian and Arabian, into one program.

French couture designer Pierre Cardin designed the costumes for the show.

Reliving a legend dating back 700 years, the ballet is based on the famous travelogue of Italian merchant and explorer Marco Polo.

It recounts the time when Polo was commissioned to accompany the Princess to Persia, before he returned to Venice.

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