Adapted from Eugène Ionesco’s 1952 avant-garde play into an experimental opera, The Chairs blends China’s oldest performing tradition with Theatre of the Absurd, delivering both in a new guise. Staged by award-winning performers of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, this acclaimed minimalist show asks us to reflect on the meaning of life, love, loneliness, and the world around us.
On a deserted island, an old couple sets out chairs, welcoming a series of invisible guests, from old friends and first loves, to their children and even the emperor. Eventually, a long-awaited final guest will make them realise that everything has been an illusion, and their lives were nothing but an absurd dream.
This production has toured internationally since its premiere, in Japan, followed by stints in China, Russia and Albania. In Macao, The Chairs will be set outdoors, ready for a magnificent performance at the unique scenery of the Mandarin House.
Original Playwright: Eugène Ionesco
Adaptation: Yu Xiating
Director: Ni Guangjin
Composer: Sun Jianan
Percussion Design: Wang Mingqiang
Characters and Cast
Zhang Weiwei as Wang Sheng (old Man)
Shen Yili as Qianniang (old Woman)
Sun Jinghua as Zhaorong (orator)
Approximately 1 hour, without interval
Performed in regional languages, with surtitles in Chinese and English
Experimental Kunqu Opera “The Chairs”