The Dreamer

A Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre & Gecko co-production

Gecko artists working alongside Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre have created an original story inspired by the dreams of William Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu.

Employing Gecko’s trademark style, associate director Rich Rusk and devising performer Chris Evans (The OvercoatMissingInstituteThe Time of Your LifeThe Wedding) blend emotionally driven movement, a spine tingling soundscape and striking visual storytelling to bring a new twist to these classic texts, performed by a Chinese cast. With design by Rhys Jarman, lighting design by Chris Swain and original music by Dave Price.

Created as part of the British Council’s 2016 Shakespeare Lives programme, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, the show is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As an additional celebration of this unique collaboration between China and the UK, the production is also influenced by The Peony Pavilion written by Shakespeare’s Chinese contemporary Tang Xianzu.

Winner of the prestigious 2016 One Drama award China for Best Stage Design.

22/23rd Zuolin Drama Awards winners
Best Actress: Yang Ziyi
Best Actor: Liu Peng
Best Newcomer: Yang Jingran

★★★★ The Times
★★★★ The List
★★★★ The Scotsman
★★★★★ Broadway Baby
★★★★★ British Theatre Guide

“A blur of motion, a series of arresting images mixed with comedic scenes and moments of mystery, longing and romance.”

New Zealand Herald

 
 

Support

Gecko is supported by Arts Council England and Ipswich Borough Council. The Dreamer is a Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and Gecko co-production, commissioned by the British Council a part of the Shakespeare Lives programme.