Theatrical history right on our doorstep
Print Edition
MODERN drama blossomed in Shanghai after it was introduced into China in the late 19th century. Downtown Jing’an has become a hub for playwrights, performers and theatrical innovation. Here is a simple map to guide you in exploring the drama culture of Jing’an.
MAJESTIC Theater
Address: 66 Jiangning Rd
This historic art deco theater was built in 1941, becoming the first in Shanghai to screen Western films. It reopened in April after a six-year renovation. The theater was one of the backdrops of Taiwan director Ang Lee’s acclaimed 2007 film “Lust, Caution.” Along with the McKinnon Hotel and the Yihai Theater, the three venues are being groomed as a drama hub to rival New York’s Broadway and London’s West End.
Former residence of Ruan Lingyu
Address: 9 Qinyuancun (Lane 1124, Xinzha Rd)
This three-story house was home to Ruan Lingyu, China’s Greta Garbo, in the last two years of her life. She took an overdose of sleeping pills on March 7, 1935, at the age of 25. A note she left behind said only: “Rumors are deadly.” A love triangle with two men, which precipitated her suicide, has been dramatized with a contemporary twist. A multimedia play that brought Ruan to life through hologram technology was performed at the 800 Show Creative Industry Park in August and September. Hong Kong’s Perry Chiu Experimental Theater used silhouettes of Ruan and images from her films at the Majestic Theater in late October.
Juliet’s Balcony
Address: corner of Fengxian Rd and Shaanxi Rd N.
The scene here is right out of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The red clay gate of Juliet’s home is closed. A lion lying beside it symbolizes Romeo waiting for Juliet to appear on the balcony above. On a white stele, lines from the play are inscribed.
McKinnon Hotel
Address: 1013 Beijing Rd W.
This is not really a hotel as its name suggests. Rather, it is a rehabilitated 1930s-era performance area where the popular interactive play “Sleep No More” will make its Asian debut in December. “Sleep No More” is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” conceived by the British theater company Punchdrunk. It is performed with no dialogue. Audiences move freely through a variety of theatrically designed rooms, maintaining silence along the way. The theater will be open around the clock.
Kaisiling
Address: 1001 Nanjing Road W.
Opened in 1928, this venue was the first bakery in the former French concession that was owned and operated by Chinese. It was a popular site with unique desserts like hadou, an oblong pastry with chocolate icing and a custard-cream filling. Famous writer and playwright Eileen Chang was a regular patron here. She mentioned Kaisiling’s famous chestnut cake in several of her novels.
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