Fresh Take on Stan Lai's Classic Explores the Ties That Bind

Shanghai's Theatre Above and Jiangxi Province's Huichang Theatre Village are presenting a fresh production of Stan Lai's 1987 play "Circle Story."

The drama weaves a complex and ever-changing tapestry of modern human connections through seven characters.

In the play, two seemingly unrelated people are connected in ways they never imagined. Although the original work was developed over four decades ago, the themes it explores – such as generational communication and emotional quandaries – remain popular with audiences due to their great contemporary relevance.

This new production will be produced in a "theater-in-the-round" format, with some audience members seating directly on stage, allowing them to see the act up close.

The dynamic, multi-perspective viewing experience that is exclusive to the in-the-round layout will be enhanced by a circular installation of lights above the stage that rotates in different directions and at different speeds during different scenes.

After "Circle Story," Theatre Above and Huichang Theatre Village plan to stage "Under Ground" and "Love, Lies & Rice Noodle" in July and August in Shanghai.

All performances will feature English subtitles.

Performance info

Dates: June 26, 7:30pm; June 27-28, 2:30pm

Tickets: 100-380 yuan

Venue: Theatre Above 上剧场

Address: 5F, 1111 Zhaojiabang Rd 肇嘉浜路1111号5楼