How would you see the world if you were a dog? You may just find out if you
go to the theater this summer and watch Two Dogs?Point of View on Life, the new
cutting-edge drama directed by Meng Jinghui. Audience members get to explore
some of the big questions facing Chinese society from a canine's perspective at
the Oriental Pioneer Theater from mid May to the end of June.
The two dogs at the center of play will look all kinds
of every day issues, from online relationships to weight loss campaigns,
poisonous food to traffic jams, and even sky high education fees.
But the drama will push the envelope even further than just the unique angle.
The play has no pre-written script, no set scenes and possibly no plot at all.
The only two actors in the cast, Liu Xiaoye and Chen Minghao (pictured below),
created the concept seven years ago.
Actor Chen Minghao described the show as open. "The plot may change from day
to day. There is a lot of space in the play for us to make our thoughts real, or
do something experimental,?said Chen. "Everything is uncertain. It feels
spontaneous, like improvisation. We'll share this feeling with the audience.?
The actors will also use a variety of stage techniques borrowed from both
West and East to form their own style. Each of them will play a variety of roles
as well as the two dogs.
The play will feature modern elements as well, like the Punk rock anthem, I
Wanna Be Your Dog.
Director Meng Jinghui, an avant-garde figure in the Chinese dramatic
community, is very impressed with his actors?creativity.
"They have broken a lot of the existing rules of performance and created
their own unique style to speak their minds.?
Meng is a leading drama director in China. He's produced
acclaimed works, especially in small theaters, such as A Beautiful Encounter and
Amber. His dramas are distinctive for the way they explore advanced aesthetic
ideas and adopt audacious presentation tactics.
Time: 7:30pm,
Date: May 15-June 30.
Address:
Oriental Pioneer Theater, 8-2 Dongdan Santiao.
Tel:
010-6559-7394.
