Performance Schedule⊙

2023.2.15-2.20

Ticket Prices⊙

¥580/980/1280/1680/1980/2280/2680

AGO

AGO is a special theatrical journey, where fate, time, space, man, beasts and nature are woven together in a fantastic and sometimes surreal dance that challenges one’s perception of reality, through the lens of humanity's triumphs and failures, glories and follies. This theatrical tour de force by playwright-director Stan Lai's can be seen as a sister piece to his epoch making A Dream Like A Dream (2000), in terms of breadth, depth, length and the special panoramic "lotus pond" staging configuration that the two plays share.

AGO takes Lai's creative journey into a new realm. The main characters in this six-hour work pass through almost three decades, moving from the deep mountains of Yunnan to the gritty streets of Manhattan, then to the high mountains of India, and perhaps beyond, to a Pure Realm outside of human concepts. Amongst them are thinkers and idealists, and others who are simply living their lives. They face catastrophes, one after another, and are all survivors, seeking the meaning of existence. Here, not only are "people" seeking meaning. AGO offers cross-species dialogues, between humans and animals, mythical and imaginary animals, aliens, and even abstract concepts. There is a character that can see the complete past, "ago", a self-claimed prophet, and another, perhaps genuine, who sees a beautiful pure land in his mind, that he wishes to reveal and to bring everyone there.

Performed by Stan Lai's acclaimed ensemble from Theatre Above, with the addition of celebrated actress Hao Lei in the role of Pema, and pop star Jason Zhang as Dorje, AGO presents a theatre master at the pinnacle of his craft, an artist-philosopher's mature musings on life, time and fate.

Written and Directed by Stan Lai

Performance by Hao Lei, Zhang Jie, Liu Wanling, Wang Meng, Dou Jin, Jin Jing, Yang Yuguang, Zong Juntao, Gu Xuewei,Ding Hui, Yang Yi, Feng Li, Yang Zhibin, Ma Jingwen, Liu Yilin,Li Xi,Ding Shanshan, Chen Guohui, Yuan Xinli Qi Yue, Ma Yunbao

Scenic and Costume Design by Sandra Woodall

Lighting Design by Lee-Zen Michael Chien

Projection Design by Ethan Wang

Music Director and Composer by Hu Shuai

Theme Song Lyrics and Music by Stan Lai, Hu Shuai

Theme Song Sung by Jason Zhang

Improvised Music and Song by Qi Yue, Zong Juntao, Jason Zhang

Poster Design by Ahi Huang

Senior Producer: Nai-chu Ding