Theatre

Liu’s Compound
An account of an ill-fortuned young woman’s road to suicide under the bullying of her husband, his mother and sister. Suffering in this world is not only inflicted by people from one social class on another, but can also be caused by cruelty within the same social class. This story reflects Lao She’s observations of infighting within society’s underclass. The tragic drama within a poor family unfolds before silent bystanders. Even those who are to be pitied can have a hateful side

Ménage à Trois
The psychological struggles between two war buddies married to the same woman. This is one of the most intriguing short stories by Lao She in which the characters are subtly unveiled amidst ambivalence and conflict. From agreeing to share a wife, to alienation, to betrayal, then back to the realities of their morally binding oath, this story explores the complexities of the human desire to control and to share. Though rich in black humour, the story is narrated with placid inevitability. Using magical realism, the narration unfolds freely between soliloquy and dialogue, fantasy and reality

The Death Dealing Spear
With the introduction of fi rearms, Sha Zilong, a master of the spear and an erstwhile armed escort of repute, is reduced to plying his trade as a street performer. Lamenting his decline and yearning for the glory days of old, Sha decides to fade away and take his art with him to the grave.

Assuming Office
Soon after tax inspector You, a low grade official, assumes office, he finds it hard to perform his duties under pressure from the mob. Tiptoeing cautiously, he knows that any misstep will give him a double whammy. A political satire, the story boldly reveals the grey areas and the tension that exists between the authorities and criminals.

Fruit
The love affair between an aspiring amateur actor eager to turn professional and the patron who helps him. Chen finds that the price of turning professional is to give in to the powers that be. He sells his sister to the local warlord, and yields to the criminal elements that control the world of theatre. Diverted by his desire to “make the grade”, the once idealistic Chen eventually spirals towards destruction.