Yangtze Repertory Theatre of America will present the American premiere of The Empress of China from June 3 through June 26, 2011 following the critically acclaimed world premiere commissioned and produced by Hong Kong Repertory Theatre in Hong Kong in January 2011. The play is an emotional voyage in which two worlds meet and find each other written and directed by Joanna Chan.
The Empress of China is based on the arrival of the first American trading vessel in Canton in 1784. Aboard The Empress of China was the historical figure Samuel Shaw, a Revolutionary War officer, businessman and diplomat. Chan creates a relationship between Shaw and Purple Lotus, a fictional character of great beauty and charm, who captures the American's heart. Through their relationship the play explores the profound differences in the way the central characters and their two societies viewed the world and their places in it. All this takes place as the Americans, fresh from their own revolution, are desperately trying to establish trade with China. The play offers historical insights into the Chinese ways and American efforts to establish the new country's place in the world.The bilingual production is performed with Mandarin and English supertitles. The schedule is June 3 through June 26 with performances Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and an additional performance on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m.at Theatre for the New City, 155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Streets), New York, NY 10003.
Ticket prices are $25; Students & Seniors: $20; groups of 10 or more receive a 20% discount. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/726905 or reserved via email: office@yangtze-rep-theatre.org.
