A group of local theater-goers were taken on an excursion into the darkest recesses of the human mind last night as the experimental play “4.48 Psychosis” made its debut at the Shanghai Drama Arts Center (SDAC) on Anfu Road.

This final play by controversial British playwright Sarah Kane is directed by Russian-American director Dmitry Troyanovsky and stars a cast of Chinese actors which includes Xu Manman, Huang Fengling and Zhou Tingchao.

The play — which runs through August 9 — is just the latest in a long string of culture-crossing performances staged at the local drama arts center. Indeed, challenging stage works that unite foreign and local theater talent are nothing new for the center, which is now emerging as one of the city’s premier cultural institutions thanks to its high-caliber shows.

“I liked this co-production, not just because of the drama itself, but because of the play’s cultural fusion — British playwright, Russian-American director and Chinese actors,” says Shi Dahai, 32, who was in the audience during last night’s performance.

Shi describes himself as a big fan of the center and says he attends almost all its shows.

Next, Shi plans to see “Sister Peach,” which also debuted last night. This play tells the story of an eldery woman who has spent her life as a domestic helper. The work gained wide attention in 2012, when it was adapted into the award-winning Hong Kong film “Tao Jie” (“A Simple Life”), directed by Ann Hui.

Famed Chinese actors Xu Xing and Yao Anlian will perform in this play, a casting choice not overlooked by local drama fans like Shi.

“Yao is returning to stage drama for the first time in 30 years, which means there are high expectations surrounding the play,” he says.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the local drama arts center’s opening. In honor of this milestone, managers promise that this year will be filled with plenty of terrific performances as well as a host of cultural projects and activities.

According to General Manager Yang Shaolin, “the SDAC operates according to the following principals: be diverse and tolerant to attract artists from around the world and offer refreshing shows that will expand out audience. It aims to develop into a world-class theater.”

After 20 years of development, the center’s stages have showcased talent from around the world. So far this year, it has already presented “Black Bird” written by British playwright David Harrower and directed by France’s Claudia Stavisky; as well as “Death and the Maiden,” from Argentine-born playwright Ariel Dorfman and directed by Britain’s Paul Garrington.

The SDAC is the only state-level drama company in Shanghai. Every year, it presents around 600 shows, including those produced by the center itself as well as those put on by other companies. Together, these shows attract more than 200,000 audience members per year, the center’s records show.

And its popularity seems to be paying off. In a promotional event launched in September 2013, the center raked in over 3 million yuan (US$483,000) in a single day through pre-sale of half-price tickets. This event helped its box-office take grow by 14 percent that year.

As Yang explains, that day’s sales figure equalled three times what the center made during the entire 1995, the year it first opened.

“The maturing of the drama center ... wasn’t an immediate change, but the result of marketing campaigns, improvements in the quality and quantity of plays, as well as changing audience’s lifestyles,” he says.

Yang graduated from the Shanghai Theater Academy with a degree in performance in 1976. As one of the top actors of his generation, Yang performed in over 60 plays, as well as many film and television shows. Appointed general manager of the drama center when it first opened, Yang helped guide it through the “depressing 1990s.”

“I still clearly remember a senior actor, with over 40 years of performing experience, who cried heart-brokenly backstage when he found out that there were even fewer audience members than actors on stage,” he recalls.

Things began to improve the following year with the staging of “Shang Yang,” a historical work based on the official and philosopher Shang Yang, who served as minister to Duke Xiao of Qin (cr. 361-338 BC) from 359 BC until his death in 338 BC. Shang is generally considered to be the father of Legalism.

“In 1990s China, there was a social and economic revolution happening in the background. This ancient play, which featured local Shanghai style, conquered audiences with its touching story and performances,” says Yang.

But this ground-breaking show wasn’t an overnight success. At the beginning, Yang and his colleagues went to Nanjing Road to tell passersby about the show. Eventually, it became a hit — and even drew praise from Zhu Rongji, the then premier of China. In the end, the show ran for eight years.

This landmark show was restaged in April to mark the center’s 20th year in operation.

Xiao Guochang, 60, was in the audience to see the new production. He is among the many who saw “Shang Yang” during its original run.

“Almost 20 years have passed. When I watched this play for the first time, I was just 41 years old. And now I’m going to retired this summer,” says Xiao. “This new generation of actors seem to have opened a new page in stage drama.”

Yang echoed these remarks by explaining that one of the drama center’s main goals is to support young playwrights, directors and producers. “The whole industry needs fresh blood, creative ideas and pioneers.”

“Shang Yang” is among eight classic works that will be staged this year as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations. Other plays include the black comedy “Bachelor and Executioner,” the family drama “Big Brother,” the philosophic work “The Captain,” “1977” about educated youths, “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow,” adapted from Wang Anyi’s awarded-winning namesake novel, “Under the Roofs of Shanghai” and Anton Checkov’s “Uncle Vanya.”

Meanwhile, more than 20 original plays produced by the center will also be staged, half of which will be backing their debuts.

Another highlight includes a collaboration between the National Theatre of Great Britain and the National Theater of China. These heavyweights will expand the “National Theatre Live” program — which broadcasts live stage performances into theaters all over the world — to Shanghai with three shows.

These will include broadcasts of the Donmar Warehouse’s production of “Coriolanus,” Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge; the Broadway production “Of Mice and Men” starting James Franco; and “Frankenstein” directed by Academy Award winner Danny Boyle and staring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller.

“The program will offer Chinese audiences the opportunity to see some of the best of British theater in local venues,” says Lisa Burger, executive director of the National Theatre of Great Britain.

“I hope our audience can join us in this grand event and enjoy wonderful performances from the home of Shakespeare,” says Chen Li, manager of the SADC’s public relationship department.

“Our mission is to make watching plays in the theater a part of people’s livee — keeping prices reasonable is an important strategy,” adds Chen.

Ticket prices for all shows will be capped at 280 yuan this year in order to lure new viewers.

Audiences can also enjoy an 80-yuan play every Tuesday, and middle school students can take an additional 50 percent off this price, according to Chen.

• “4.48 Psychosis”

Date: Through August 9, 7:30pm

Venue: Arts Salon, Shanghai Drama Arts Center, 288 Anfu Rd

Tickets: 180 yuan

In Chinese with English subtitles

• “Sister Peach”

Date: Through August 9, 7:30pm

Venue: Arts Theater, Shanghai Drama Arts Center, 288 Anfu Rd

Tickets: 80-280 yuan

In Chinese without English subtitles

For more information about the shows and other events, check www.chian-drama.com.