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September 18, 2020

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Black comedy drama offers food for thought

By Ma Yue | 00:12 UTC+8 September 18, 2020 | Print Edition

The curtain opens for “Chen Huansheng’s Dining Problem,” at Shanghai Grand Theater today, one of the opening performances of the 2020 New Stage Creation Shanghai Showcase.

A fusion of drama, dance and traditional opera productions, it is presented by Changzhou Farce Troupe from neighboring Jiangsu Province, borrowed inspiration from Changzhou writer Gao Xiaosheng’s short story, which was published in 1980.

Chen Huansheng, the main protagonist in Gao’s story, is an indebted farmer, whose life improves alongside the country’s rapid development in the late 1970s.

The original story centered on Chen’s experience of doing business in the town. The new work borrows the protagonist from the original story, but a new plot is created for him.

In the play, Chen has to fight against poverty and solve a dining problem for his three children. The work showcases the change in circumstances of Chinese farmers over the past 40 years, involving historical moments of the country’s development since its reform and opening up.

“Chen Huansheng’s Dining Problem” premiered in Changzhou in 2018, making audiences “laugh with sorrow tears.” It was also the opening performance of the 2019 China Theater Festival.

Changzhou Farce Troupe director Zhang Yi, who plays the major role of Chen, revealed his biggest challenge was to illustrate Chen from a young age all the way through to the age of 78.

Furthermore, the story doesn’t follow a linear narrative, it switches back and forth between Chen’s different stages of life.

“It’s the most important role I have ever acted, given the historical significance behind the story,” said Zhang.

“The drama suits audiences of all age groups. The younger generation can better understand the elders’ life experience and struggles through the work.”

Date: September 18, 7:15pm

Tickets: 80-480 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater

Address: 300 People’s Ave

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