Yangtze Repertory Theatre of American Presents THE EMPRESS OF CHINA, 6/3-6/26

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 cast is led by Andrei Drooz and Annie Q. as the romantic leads and also features a large multi-ethnic cast that includes William Allgood, Sergio Mauritz Ang, Jason DeShen Cao, Harris Diano, Teresa Du, Bill Engst, Stephan Goldbach, Kwan ShuMei, Arthur Lai, Lin Ying, Joanne Liu, Mike J. McNulty, Katelynn Mory, B J Peterson, Craig Kelton Peterson, Wilson Pok, Gary Sugai, Lantie Tom, Dennis Tsiu and Alan Lei Zhou. Set design will be provided by Lauren Rockman; lighting by Joyce Liao and costumes by Xu HaoJian/Edmond Wong. Other creative personnel include: James Gitsham (fencing master), David ChienHui Shen (Martial arts/dance choreography), Yuen Cheuk-Wa (original score), Su Sheng (Musical Consultant), Lin Ying (Production Assistant) and Sheena L. Young (Stage Manager).

The production is performed in English and Chinese with bilingual subtitles. The schedule is June 3 through June 26 with performances Thursday through Saturday 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 $30/TDF; Students & Seniors: $25; groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. A special "pay what you can" performance will be held on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.theaterforthenewcity.net or can be reserved by phone at 347-759-2937 or via email: office@yangtze-rep-theatre.org.

 

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