The comedic drama
Pirate DVD: Madhouse Breakout will take
to the Nine Theaters stage in Beijing from August 17 to September 2
for an encore performance. The initial June run was such a big
success that audiences requested it be shown a second time.
The drama tells the story of four people who live mechanical
lives in an asylum. One is a bankrupt ex-serviceman; one is a
talented man regarded since birth as an idiot; one is a mom
struggling with the death of her child; and, one believes himself
wise enough to see through human vanity, yet is unable to cope with
his miserable past.
The four people try to escape from the asylum to discover their
own freedom. They find a man who calls himself "general" to guide
them. They make a detailed plan, and at last they escape through an
ancient dried well. However, when they come out they find they have
returned to the year 1945, at the end of the War of Resistance
Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945).
They meet a fugitive farmer, an American priest, a Japanese
soldier, and a well god. They are charged with the mission of
liberating the country, maybe even the world, as the fate of
humanity rests in the hands of this group of madmen.
The drama is work of Dagui Drama Studio, a commercial drama
group. The director is Dagui, which means Big Ghost. His
explanation of the name is that, "I'm a ghost, because I've died.
So if I believe my works are sincere, I'll be afraid of
nothing -- not even rumors, curses, and criticisms."
It's called "Pirate DVD" because at the beginning of the drama,
actors will imitate scenes from famous films. Despite the name, the
staff is committed to the fight against pirated publications. In
fact, ten people can get a free ticket to each show by trading in
ten pirated discs.
Recently, more and more commercial drama groups have formed and
created new works that reflect the agony and happiness of normal
people. The lower ticket prices give the average citizen a chance
to access this kind of art. Dagui said he believes drama won't be
merely a highbrow art form anymore.
Further information:
Date: August 17 -- September 2
Venue: Nine Theaters of Chaoyang District
Ticket Prices: RMB 80 -- RMB 380
Booking: 010-8567, 9552; 010-8567, 9553
(China.org.cn by Chen Lin August 16, 2007)
