"'Oliver Twist' is so popular but at the same time we don't like the well-known versions - they are not true to the book," he continues. "For example, Fagin gets away in all the famous versions - why? You would not change 'Romeo and Juliet' so the lovers get away."
More interesting, the play has added comedic elements to highlight the dark play as it is known.
"Comedy is a great theatrical tool, laughing at evil is the best weapon," Stebbing explains. "Comedy draws an audience in and allows them to accept tragedy - tragedy without comedy can be a blunt weapon - an endless repetition of violence deadens our response. Shakespeare and Dickens know this and always mix the two."
The new version applies most of the comedy at the start to mock the cruel system that sends the poor and abandoned to the so-called "workhouse," and expose it as prison, rather than a caring place of shelter.
"Comedy forms a bond between actors and audience. Once that bond is established, it can be used to go on a more serious or darker journey," Stebbing adds.
The theater company's style aims to integrate all the performing arts. TNT's productions always include a specially commissioned score by a leading composer. The director always works with a choreographer and the ensemble actors are chosen for their ability to cross the disciplines of theater, music and dance. The Guardian once said called the company "one of the most interesting developments on the current theatrical scene."
In addition to its powerful drama, comedy and fast-moving action, "Oliver Twist" has been highly praised for its a capella score by the composer Thomas Johnson.
"We see theater and music as essential companions, just as they are in traditional Asian theater," says Johnson. "A capella can be very effective because the human voice is such a personal instrument - it draws us closer to the actor than instrumental music might."
The play uses a wild variety of vocal music. Some is influenced by traditional English folk music, other pieces are more Jewish or Yiddish, reflecting Fagin.
The 95-minute play is brought to the stage by five actors, all recruited in London, all familiar with the environment of the story.
TNT's "Oliver Twist" has been seen from Tokyo to Berlin, from the south of Asia to the north of Scotland. It is being staged in Beijing through tomorrow.
"The play has received a warm welcome in Beijing. I hope we can repeat this in Shanghai and use that as a springboard for more work in China," says Stebbing.
Oliver Twist
Date: March 27-April 1, 7:15pm; March 31, 2pm
Venue: Shanghai Drama Arts Theater, 288 Anfulu
Tickets: 50-500 yuan
Tel: 962-288/021-64730123/021-64734567
In English with Chinese subtitles
