The Orphan of Zhao
Ji Junxiang, adapted by James Fenton
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Ji Junxiang, adapted by James Fenton
Content warning [May contain spoilers]
A power-hungry courtier, a massacre of a clan, and its sole survivor, an orphan.
Tracing its origin to the 4th century BC, The Orphan of Zhao was the first Chinese play to be introduced to the West. Sometimes referred to as the Chinese mixture of Hamlet and King Lear, it follows an epic story about a political blood feud, a series of self-sacrifices, and a seemingly heroic and just conclusion. To revenge, or not to revenge, that is not the question. The question is how will the prices be paid
The language in James Fenton’s adaptation is modern and lyrical, the choreography and songs delicate, and the chinoiserie aesthetic captivating. This new staging of The Orphan of Zhao at the ADC Theatre will immerse the audience into far, ancient China, while asking questions that are still burning relevant.
This production is suitable for ages 16 and over.
An amateur production by arrangement with United Agents
Depictions of:
death and/or dying, torture, strong violence, suicide
References to:
abuse (physical), pregnancy and/or childbirth
The ADC Theatre is Britain's oldest University playhouse, today administered and maintained by the University of Cambridge. Plays have been presented on the site since 1855, when the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (CUADC) was founded, and the society met and performed in the back room of the Hoop Inn, which stood almost exactly where the ADC Theatre stands today. Today, the ADC Theatre is the centre of University drama in Cambridge, run almost entirely by students with no Faculty involvement.
Access
When you arrive at the ADC Theatre, there are power assisted doors to the Box Office. In the foyer there is a lift which leads up to the bar and auditorium. The accessible toilet is located on the ground floor across the foyer. Further information can be found here.
If you are booking a wheelchair seat in the ADC auditorium for the first time, please call the Box Office on 01223 300085 or email access@adctheatre.com. We will then alter the permissions of your ADC account so that you can access the wheelchair seats on our website when you book in the future.
Complimentary tickets are available for full-time carers.
The ADC Theatre and Corpus Playroom is fitted with an infra-red audio system designed to help deaf and hard of hearing patrons. If you are using the system for the first time, please arrive early and seek advice from our Front of House team.
Assistance dogs are welcome in both of our venues. Please call the Box Office or email the above address when booking to ensure you are seated appropriately.
If you are travelling by car, you can use the Park Street car park (2 minute walk), the Grand Arcade car park (10 minute walk) or the Castle Hill car park (15 minute walk). You can find out more information here.