Shakespeare's Henry V in Shanghai
The Chinese version of "Henry V" gives a modern twist to the play.
A Chinese version of William Shakespeare’s “Henry V” is being staged at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center through August 11.
The production is a cultural exchange collaboration between the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center.
“Henry V” is the first project in the RSC’s eight-year plan, which aims to translate Shakespeare’s plays in the First Folio into Chinese.
The RSC intends to produce theatrically-viable, actor-friendly and audience-accessible translations of Shakespeare’s plays.
Written near 1599, “Henry V” tells the story of the king of England, focusing on events immediately before and after the Battle of Agincourt (1415) during the Hundred Years’ War.
With England in a state of unrest, Henry V must leave his rebellious youth behind, and strive to gain the respect of his nobility and people.
He embarks on an expedition to France and, his army badly outnumbered, defeats the French at Agincourt.
Directed by Owen Horsley and translated by Su Guoyun, the Chinese version of the play stars Lan Haimeng.
The other 15 actors play multiple roles. Some even play opposite gender roles. Intriguingly, some characters are set to speak Chinese dialects.
The Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center has also developed a special drink called “Bloody Henry,” which can be enjoyed at its café on the second floor of the theater.
Info
Date: Through Aug 11, 7:30pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 2:00pm (Sunday)
Tickets: 180-580 yuan (80 yuan on Tuesday)
Tel: 5465-6200
Venue: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center
Address: 288 Anfu Rd
