Sure, men need women but what if a man has affairs with three women at the same time? Desperate Housewives now has a Chinese theater version, but more like "Desperate Husbands". The play is called "Relationship" and is running at the Small Theater of Beijing People's Art Theater until tomorrow.

Sha Chenxing, a successful man in his forties, has a good job, a loving wife and ... some dirty secrets, including a long-time secret lover and another mistress.

Sha's secrets are gradually revealed as he struggles to manage his responsibilities. He finally learns that a price must be paid for his infidelity.

Female playwright Wan Fang is clearly intrigued by the relationship between the sexes and in turn captivates the audience, too.

The amazing stage lighting takes the viewer into three different scenes and while the plot is easy to understand, the swift scene changes are hard to follow, making the play more mysterious. Besides the eloquent body language, there is a vast script to digest, a daunting task for the cast.

The play succeeds in portraying real life situations. The purpose is not to judge who is right and wrong in this "menage a quatre" because, as is so often the case in life, it can be difficult to say. Wan may not give Sha's adventure a happy ending but she does at least succeed in making him a sympathetic character.

The settings also reflect thoughts of a middle-aged man. When Sha discusses problems with his wife, they usually appear at the dinner table. His lover often spends time with him in the sitting room and the youngest woman appears in the bedroom. What is the relationship between Sha and these women - and how does the location of their exchanges give us a further insight? Compelling viewing - but only one day left to catch it.

Date: 7:30 pm until Feb 21

Address: BPAT's Small Theater

Tel: 6591-4635

(China Daily February 20, 2009)