Actors rehearse a scene from Everyone is Sick. Photo: Wang Feng
Renowned Taiwan cartoonist Zhu Deyong's latest book Everyone is Sick (Dajia Douyoubing) has been adapted to a play set to hit the stage at the National Theater of China (NTC) next month.
Chinese director Tian Qinxin has adapted the cartoon into a light-hearted comedy performed by a cast of young actors led by Shang Jijian, Wu Bi and Jin Hao.
The latest play comes on the heels of Absolute Children (Juedui Xiaohai), a children's play adapted from another one of Zhu's thought-provoking comics that premiered in September at the China Children's Arts Theater, offering a glimpse at the absurdity of adults from a child's perspective.
Everyone is Sick depicts all kinds of "sicknesses" in society, many not necessarily physical ailments. Characters in the play include a lady addicted to shopping with her credit card, three depressed men contemplating suicide and an elderly man suffering bipolar disorder. The shopping craze, anxiety and pressure are all presented as symptoms of an "urban illness." The at-times serious themes within the play allow audience members to reflect on social ills, while at other times bask in the lighter side of comedy.
Zhu, 45, insists the message of his story is that people need to take time to find inner peace and happiness amid life in the fast lane.
Tian hinted that the audience will find wisdom within the cartoonist's wit.
"Zhu once said that Asians are very unfortunate," she recalled. "Many have been devastated by poverty in the past, while now many are devastated by wealth. It's very philosophical."
"Transforming a cartoon into a stage comedy was a great challenge for me," Tian added. "However, having a good story is the key. Only if we can tell the story well, can we make an impressive stage play. The dialogue, acting and ridiculous behavior will make the audience want to laugh."
When: Dec. 10 - Jan. 8 (except Mondays, Tuesdays)
Where: NTC Theater, 277 Guanganmenwai Dajie, Xicheng district
Tickets: 100 to 880 yuan
Contact: 4006-103721