Scan barcode
sherbertwells's review
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In a three-act play with an ensemble cast, a Beijing tea house and its proprietors must adapt to the political changes of the early 20th century. Although its pro-communist ending means that I’ll never see the play performed in English, the humor, strong characters and social commentary shine through in John Howard-Gibbon’s translation.
“WANG LIFA: Reform! I’ve never forgotten about reform…what the hell if I lost a little face, a man has to live, asnt he? I tried anything and everything, but only so we could live. It’s the truth. Sure I bribed people when I had to, but I never did anything unjust or immoral. Don’t I deserve a normal life? Who have I wronged? Who?” (106)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Suicide, and Trafficking
Minor: Drug use, Physical abuse, and Xenophobia
More...