Experimental theatre pioneer Danny Yung poses a political conundrum in his latest piece Flee by Night for Shanghai Expo.
The production will be presented in Putonghua with Chinese and English text at the Duanjun Theatre of the Shanghai Theatre Academy from October 16 to 18.
Flee by Night originates from an act of the Kun opera play The Legend of the Precious Sword written by playwright Li Kaixian during the mid-Ming dynasty.
It tells the story of Lin Chong who was the chief instructor of the 800,000 imperial guards in the Song dynasty until he was framed and persecuted by malicious court officials. He fled to join a group of outlaws and eventually became one of the "108 Liangshan heroes".
Danny Yung said: "We strip down the elaborate customs and make-up in the opera and blend in modernist elements to produce a forceful critique on the relationships between art and politics and between the audience and the performers."
Flee by Night features renowned Mainland actor Ke Jun, President of Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera Theatre, and his 25-year-old protégé Yang Yang.
Click here for programme details and ticketing information.
