NCPA Production of Aristophanes' Comedy The Birds

Date: April 28-May 2 - 7:30 pm

Venue: National Centre for the Performing Arts

In February 2008, during China's "Year of Greek Culture," an original Greek version of Aristophanes' comedy, The Birds, a work of many mainstream Greek artists, was staged at the NCPA, and met with great acclaim. Today, 10 years later, the NCPA gives a new rendition of The Birds, in the interest of fostering the classical arts and passing on its cultural legacy. Written by Aristophanes, the ancient Greek "Father of Comedy," and first performed in 414 BC, The Birds is the only extant comedy with mythological themes and the most fanciful. The play revolves around the establishment of a bird kingdom in the sky, cleverly weaving together myths and legends relating to birds. The plot forms an organic whole that is well-rounded, and imaginative. It not only criticized the faults of the contemporary society at that time, but also relates an ardent wish for the creation of an ideal world.

Magnificent Culture The New Wilderness

Date: May 9-12 - 7:30 pm

Venue: National Centre for the Performing Arts

The story of The New Wilderness takes place in Dalibaozi Village in the 1950s to 1970s. The protagonists are a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, who rely on each other for survival. Liutuan is an ordinary working woman living in the remote countryside, who is hardworking, simple and honest and filial to her parents. At the age of 17, she gets married to Jusheng, as is decided by her parents and arranged by a matchmaker. Only eight days after marriage, her husband Jusheng goes to the city, leaving her and her mother-in-law Fuxian lonely and helpless at home. In the following years, she leads a frugal life with her mother-in-law under her care. She misses Jusheng and looks forward to him returning home. Still young, she gradually leaves her warm heart out in the cold in the hardships of life when hearing malicious gossip about her from villagers. She begins to become unreconciled about her life, with hatred rising in her heart. Finally, Jusheng returns from the city, but she has spent most of her life with her mother-in-law. Jusheng comes back in order to divorce her and requires his mother Fuxian to prove he doesn't live together with Liutuan. Nonetheless, his mother refuses to consent. During a quarrel and fight, in the tide of times, where will Liutuan go and get herself settled all over again?