Ipswich-based physical theatre company Gecko celebrates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with a new show, The Dreamer, in association with Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre.
Gecko’s first international co-production, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the work of his contemporary, Tang Xianzu (1550-1616), will première from 7 to 23 October 2016 in Shanghai, China.
Amit Lahav, Artistic Director said, “Gecko has been touring to China since 2010 and audiences in the country are very fond of the company and our work. We are therefore extremely excited to be working on our first ever international co-production with the prestigious Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and their ensemble of excellent performers.
"The Dreamer will draw on the inspiring work of two influential playwrights in our unique Gecko style and we cannot wait to see how the audience responds to it.”
Neil Webb, Director of Theatre & Dance at the British Council, which has commissioned the work, said, “Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre has been an important and trusted partner in our work in China for many years. Gecko meanwhile has appeared in several of our Edinburgh Showcases and toured extensively around the world, including in China.
"I am delighted to see these world-class organisations celebrating the profound influence of such world-class playwrights. And I look forward to seeing the finished work presented to audiences in China and the UK as part of our global Shakespeare Lives programme in 2016.”