Theater Young announces fall-winter season, with cutting-edge performances

2023.08.14

A handful of drama and dance productions will be making China or even world debuts at Theater Young in the following few months, as the theater recently announced its fall/winter season, involving 31 stage productions in 93 performances.
Located in Yangpu District, Theater Young started operation last September.
The new season includes an International Performance Showcase, a GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Youth Drama Showcase, as well as other music and dance performances.
The International Performance Showcase will be led by the original West End musical "The Last Five Years," scheduled for October 18-22. Written and composed by three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, the musical explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress.

Theater Young will stage the original West End musical "The Last Five Years" in October.
The show uses a form of storytelling in which Wellerstein's story is told in chronological order, while Hiatt's story is told in reverse chronological order. It has become one of the most popular two-character musicals since its premiere in 2001.
Hong Kong director Tang Shu-wing is bringing his physical theater production "King Lear" to Shanghai on September 9-10, starring veteran actress Cecilia Yip.
Jinxing Dance Theater's new modern dance production "Random Goodbyes" will be making its world premiere at Theater Young on November 3-4. The creative team involves international choreographers David Hernandez and Moya Michael.
Berliner Ensemble, a German theater company established by playwright Bertolt Brecht in 1949, will visit Shanghai for the first time in November, giving the Asian premiere of their puppet show "Brecht's Ghosts" on November 11-12.

Berliner Ensemble's "Brecht's Ghosts" will be staged in November.
British troupe Lost Dog's "Juliet & Romeo" is a blend of dance, theater and comedy. In this version of William Shakespeare's classic, the two lovers didn't die in a tragic misunderstanding. They have reached their 40s, and are in the grips of a mid-age crisis.
New Zealand contemporary dance troupe Java Dance and British troupe Theater Re will bring their works to Shanghai in late November and December.
There are also programs for kids and family audience, including the bilingual musical drama series "You Rock School," and a French animation and film music week.

Bilingual musical drama series "You Rock School" is great for family audiences.
The GOAT Youth Drama Showcase will give stage to cutting-edge and innovative productions by young artists and creators.
Six new works will be presented in September, focused on social issues, individual life attitude, and their relationship with society. Script-reading activities and forums will also be organized.
The showcase was jointly launched by Theater Young and Beijing Fringe Festival last year. This year, director Li Jianjun has becomes the co-curator of the showcase.
Source: City News Service