REVIEW: Anti-Gone - Family, memory, and the weight of the past

©️Photographer: David Monteith-Hodge, Zhi Qu as Eunuch (left) and Jingyi Luna Peng as Kid (right)

Anti-Gone is a bold and inventive theatre piece set in 1980s China. The story begins at a funeral, where the living and the dead interwines, revealing human obsession, gender oppression, family tensions, and personal conflicts. From this starting point, the play explores the struggles of a family while also reflecting the social and cultural backdrop of the time.

The production presents aspects of Chinese culture rarely seen on Western stages. It raises questions about death - where does the soul reside? Drifting in the wind, or remaining behind? It explains why women argue, and why they have to keep arguing for a place to stand. It also brings back the childhood memories of a generation: sweets, comic books, and daydreams of being an emperor. Differences in ideology and values are conveyed in this comedy, while the story’s core remains dark and complex.

Transitions between scenes are smooth, as the production embraces absurd and imaginative elements, including shadow puppets, the spirit of an old ox, and a ghostly bride, highlighting the richness and mystery of Chinese culture. The acting is precise with strong emotional impact, capturing the subtleties of family dynamics. Characters such as the young emperor and his attendant are particularly vivid and memorable.

As a fringe production, Anti-Gone demonstrates clear potential. With more time to develop its conclusion and tie together the complex storylines, the piece could fully realize its promise.

Overall, Anti-Gone is an imaginative and emotionally engaging work that brings Chinese family life, cultural memory, and generational tensions to life. It is a thoughtful production - absurd, thought provoking, and stands out for its creativity and heart.

★★★★

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/anti-gone

Credits

Playwright: Yiwei Will Lu
Director: Dejing Eloise Wang
Dramaturg: Zihe Tian
Set, Prop & Puppetry Designer: Junran Charlotte Shi
Costume Designer: Yinxue Wang
Lighting Designer: Zijun Neil Wang
Sound Designer: Yonglin Henry Shen
Graphic Designer: Linxi Jiang
Deputy Stage Manager: Zijun Neil Wang
Stage Manager: Xuelai Han, Linxi Jiang
Producer: Zihe Tian

Cast: Yiwei Will Lu (as Polynikes and Oedipus), Jingyi Luna Peng (as Kid), Yiqing Lana Zhang (as Ismene and Sister Zhao), Yunyi Joy Yang (as Antigone), Zhi Qu (as Haimon and Eunuch), Ruocheng Jaden Zhao (as Eteocles and Puppet Master), Xuan Luca Ge (as Cow)