The Gateway Theatre in Richmond is starting the new season with the Western Canadian premiere of Marjorie Chan’s historical drama China Doll from Oct. 17 to 26.
The award-nominated play focuses around a young woman from Shanghai, Su-Ling, who is tied down by traditions until she learns to read.
She struggles to balance her family’s traditional values and the changing world of independence.
To welcome a wider audience, China Doll will be performed in English with subtitles in traditional and simplified Chinese characters at all performances.
“Su-Ling’s decision to forge her own path is beautiful yet powerful, said Barbara Tomasic, Gateway Theatre’s interim producer, in a release.
“Her struggle to fit into society’s norms and expectations draws a striking parallel to that of modern times, and I think this really resonate with the audience.”
There will be special events during the run of China Doll at the Gateway Theatre:
Thursday, Oct. 17, pre-show – Pizza Preview
Enjoy a slice of free pizza before the Thursday preview show.
Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. – Gateway Forum:
Dangerous Books: When reading is seen as a subversive act
Barbara Tomasic, interim producer at Gateway Theatre, will be the moderator of a forum to talk about why reading has been considered rebellious or dangerous in certain points of history, why some books are banned and how does reading make some people thirsty for knowledge.
Gateway Forum is free and open to the public, no tickets required.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, pre-show – Wine Wednesday
Join them pre-show for a complimentary wine tasting, presented by a local Richmond family winery.
Wednesday, Oct. 23 and Friday, Oct. 25, post-show – Afterplay
Share your thoughts and experience with fellow audience members during this facilitated, informal discussion.
Tuesday, Oct. 22, pre-show at 12 p.m. – Tea Matinee
Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and cake before the show.
Thursday, Oct. 24, post-show – Talkback Thursday
There will be an intimate conversation with the cast or creative team after the show.
Tickets start from $29, available at the theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd or online at it Tickets.GatewayTheatre.comto purchase tickets.
