Norwegian work features inner life of people in a simple mode
The play, set in two periods, features the younger woman (left) and the older self (right).
A Chinese version of Jon Fosse’s representative work “A Summer’s Day” is being presented at the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center. The play runs through September 8.
The story, set in two periods, begins with a reunion of two old friends, which sparks the memory of a meeting years earlier and the mysterious disappearance of a loved one.
The young woman and her husband Asle — the only character assigned a name — had moved to an old house in the countryside. On the day of her friend’s visit, her husband takes a boat out on the water near their house. However, he never returns.
The script was written by Fosse in 1999. The Norwegian is widely considered one of the most important writers of our time. His works are always in a deliberately simple mode.
“‘A Summer’s Day’ features the inner life of people, no one can fully understand another person’s inner world,” said director Wang Wei. “It explores people’s life situations — how to be alone and how to adapt to surroundings?”
Wang added that he didn’t want to over-express the poetic flavor of Fosse’s work but rather let audiences have a better understanding of the play and feel the characters’ emotions.
Performance info
Date: Through September 8; 7:30pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 2pm (Sunday)
Tickets: 180-280 yuan
Tel: 6473-0123
Venue: Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center
Address: 288 Anfu Rd
