STAGING AN ANNIVERSARY

A small Beijing theater has proved a big hit among youth and is celebrating its 10th year with two productions, Chen Nan reports.

Two stage adaptations — The Border Town, based on the eponymous 1934 novella by noted Chinese writer Shen Congwen (1902-88), and The Pillowman, adapted from the award-winning play with the same title by Irish-British playwright and director Martin McDonagh — will be staged in Beijing and Shanghai in May and June.

The performances will mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of Drum Tower West Theatre, which is one of the most popular small theaters in the capital.

Directed by experimental theater creator Ruth Kanner, The Border Town, which opened on Thursday, is the first immersive theatrical production by Drum Tower West Theatre and will be staged in Shanghai to June 2 and in Beijing from June 13 to 16.