ETheatre expertly combined dance, music, dialogue and mime in their poignant piece of social commentary, I.Shanghai. This emotional series of snapshots concerning life in China’s second largest city, examined the monstrous gap between the rich and poor. It left me with the impression that no one in Shanghai is happy, or in the case of the wealthy, content.
I.Shanghai is the definition of art with meaning.
The acting was consistently strong throughout, though the actress who played the part of a cleaner- whose smile had become as fixed as her hopeless situation- definitely stole the show. All but one character spoke in Chinese throughout- with projected translation, making me feel as if I was looking through a window into another world.
An inspired piece of writing and risky venture, especially considering the complex political and social background of the performers. I.Shanghai touched on many uncomfortable issues such as, lack of access to education –resulting in high illiteracy levels; drugs; unemployment and almost non-existent freedom of expression.
At the end of the performance, the cast expressed their hopes for the future of Shanghai, the most significant of which was: ‘I wish I could create art without it being censored.’ I found it disappointing that such a wish needs to be uttered, in 2013.
Although I felt it was a little bit too long, I greatly enjoyed this enthralling and touching performance. I.Shanghai is the definition of art with meaning.
