| Zhang Da Li and the Village of Big Eaters |
|
|
|
|
Five young men occupy dormitory 305 in a university in north eastern China in the early 1960s during the Great Famine that followed The Great Leap Forward. The students fi nd themselves in deep trouble with the university’s Communist Youth League secretary, Fat Doll, supported by the snide and biting Hot Pepper.
Scene two is an example of the ancient art of crosstalk or xiangsheng, the theatrical dialogue in which Chinese traditionally criticized the leaders by innuendo and allusion. It has undergone a revival in recent years.
This rollicking, political farce resounds with authenticity, revealing a brilliant cross section of attitudes towards the party line and inviting comparisons with today’s China. The frequent use of brash language typifi es the raw humour of rural village life. Surprises are in store as the writer’s penetrating satire is put aside, creating an outcome which is both startling and extremely moving.
The play is based on the life experiences of the writer who emigrated with his wife from China to Melbourne in 2001 to retire near his daughter and family. Yu is a former dean of English in a university north east of Beijing. His book, Zhang Da Li and the Village of Big Eaters published by Tomorrows Graphics, will be launched at La Mama at 5pm on Saturday August 16.
Mu Rong Hua is the Chinese name of Frank Moore who grew up in China prior to the 1949 Revolution as the son of missionaries. He and his family were expelled by Mao Zedong in 1950. He has been working with Yu Jihui on a book of the same name from which this play has been developed. Frank has been a regular audience member at La Mama for many years and has performed with Lloyd Jones’s ensemble at La Mama. He is currently writing a family history, of the life and times of three generations who worked and lived in China from the mid 19th Century.
Zhang Da Li and the Village of Big Eaters
A new play in English by Yu Jihui
Directed by Mu Rong Hua with assistance from Lloyd Jones
Lighting design by Robert Leong
Music on the er-hu played by Guo Zi Tang
Performers include Joshua Erwin, Chilwin Soh, Lee Ton, David Lih, David Ly, Teng Goh, Frances Goh, Sharon Karina, Yusi Liu
La Mama, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton
August 13 – August 24, 2008
Weds & Suns at 6.30pm, Thurs to Sats at 8.00pm;
Tickets: $25 (full) / $12 (conc.)
Duration: 75 minutes approx.
Bookings: 9347 6142
|
|
Contact: |
