The Orphan of Zhao - review

Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon

Chinese classical

This production has already sparked controversy because three players on a cast of 17 are from East Asia. But even if there are serious questions about the situation of East Asian actors to deal with, it would be sad if it hid the fact that it is a recovery act theatrical impressive. Gregory Doran, as the new Head of CSR, has uncovered a tragedy that most of us do not know and given the fantastic production.

James Fenton has created a new version of a story that originated in China in the fourth century. He later became a famous revenge tragedy and gradually infiltrated the west. Voltaire wrote his own version in 1753 and the Irish dramatist Arthur Murphy, made another in 1759. Meanwhile in China, the legend continues to inspire operas, plays and movies as recent Sacrifice. Often described as the hamlet Chinese remember the parables of light Brecht, who probably borrowed some aspects of the creation of the Caucasian Chalk Circle.

So what is it? Revenge, loss, sacrifice. And even if his story may sound complex, in the version of Fenton magically becomes clear. A decadent emperor wantonly killing his own people with the help of a corrupt court. But one of his ministers, Zhao Dun, protested vehemently and pays with her life. Zhao wife, daughter of the Empress, shortly after giving birth to a son who is smuggled to safety by a country doctor. And when Herod as an edict calling into the slaughter of all newborn infants, it prevents the doctor says he knows where missing son of Zhao is hidden. The following is an orphaned baby to the exchange of survival.

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