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

 
 
  • Director: Rich Rusk
    Movement Director: Chris Evans
    Producer: Rosalind Wynn

    With performers from Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre:
    Liu Peng, Lan Haimeng/Zhu Ye/Zhao Yunlong, Yang Zi Yi, Wu Jing Wei, Zhou Zi Dan, Wang Wei Shuai, Yang Jing Ran, Li Chen Shan

    Musician: Ni Peiwen

    Design: Rhys Jarman
    Lighting Design: Chris Swain
    Sound Design: Dave Price and Chris Evans
    Original Music: Dave Price
    Technical Manager: Andres Velasquez/Mishi Bekesi
    Assistant Director: Fang Ge

    For Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre:

    Executive Producer: Shaolin Yang
    Artistic Director: Lv Liang
    Producer: Wu Jia
    Associate Producer: Shi Tang
    Supervisor: Tian Shui
    Translator: Lin Qian
    Dramaturg: Yu Rongjun
    Stage Designer: Sang Qi
    Lighting Operator: Wang Beijun
    Sound Operator: Wang Yixuan
    Stage Manager: Luo Jixin
    Costume & Make Up Designer: Leng Jia
    Setting Designer: Cui Haigang
    Prop Designer: Liu Yiping
    Logistician: Chen Longqing
    Publicity Manager: Zhao Yangxiang
    Casting Director: Lu Renjie
    Assistant Stage Manager: Sheng Ruoyu

    Photography by Yin Xuefeng

  • “One of the most special nights of the Auckland Arts Festival. A unique physical story-telling style and jewel-like vignettes in staging will take your breath away. Bring your openness and a sense of wonder and you will not be disappointed.” Radio13

    “A 65 minute confetti-stuffed glitter-bomb of movement, melodrama, comedy and live music… a full on five-course meal of a theatre experience.” The Spinoff

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

    “Vivid, enthralling…Yang Ziyi is a wonderful Helena, sweetly sad and anxious but with a gradually thriving inner spirit” ★★★★ The Times

    “The physical storytelling is so alive.” ★★★★ The List

    “Visually stunning…a feast for the eyes.” ★★★★ The Scotsman

    “Visually stunning, audibly mesmerising and heart stoppingly thrilling.” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

    “A stunning production…this is one show that should be on the top of your list to see this year.” ★★★★★ British Theatre Guide

  • 2019
    Chonqing Gutoi Arts Centre, China
    Foshan Grand Theatre, China
    Shanghai International Dance Centre, China
    Auckland Arts Festival, New Zealand
    Qiaobei Culture & Arts Centre, Nanjing, China

    2017
    The Grand, Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh, UK

    2016
    Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, China

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.