REVIEW: Zhuangzi’s Dream - A Captivating Fusion of Traditional and Contemporary Theatre

©️Zhuangzi's Dream Production

Zhuangzi’s Dream is an original experimental theatre production presented by the Central Academy of Drama, China. Based on the philosophical writings of Zhuangzi from China’s Warring States Period and the folk tale Zhuangzi Tests His Wife, the piece weaves together elements of shadow puppetry, gong strikes, narration, and stylised movement—drawing deeply from Chinese opera traditions. The timeless philosophical question at its heart was whether Zhuangzi was dreaming of a butterfly, or the butterfly dreaming of Zhuangzi? This is one of the most well-known tales in Chinese culture, rich with layers to explore.

The performance reimagines the “Zhuang Zhou Tests His Wife” story with a modern sensibility. Historically, little is recorded about his wife, believed to be surnamed Tian. Suspicion and unease lead Zhuang Zhou into a dream that blurs reality, prompting him to question whether his wife would remarry, and in turn, whether he is still dreaming at all.

Impeccable stage direction bridges the interaction between live actors and shadow puppetry, while thoughtful costume design enhances the transitions between worlds. Projection, lighting, sound, and props all work in harmony to support the storytelling, volume levels are well-balanced, projections are imaginative, and even the English surtitles reveal the production team’s meticulous attention to detail.

Zhuangzi’s Dream is a captivating theatrical experience that offers audiences both an artistic journey and a profound introduction to Chinese philosophy. As the final bell chimes, we return from the dream. Yet the question lingers - what we witnessed, was it reality, or only a dream?

★★★★★

For more information, please visit: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/zhuangzi-s-dream

Credits

Writer: Chen Mengfan
Performers: Zhu Yuhan, Li Yuxuan, Peng Haoran, Zhang Gaojian, Xu Nuo

Director: Ge Yuanliang
Presenting Producer: Hao Rong
Producer: Jiang Dan
Executive Producer: Sun Daqing
Artistic Executive Producers: Yang Shuo, Li Shan
Set Designer: Zhang Huaxiang
Lighting Designer: Qu Ming
Costume Designer: Cui Xiaodong
Makeup Designer: Sun Xiaohong
Shadow Puppetry & Puppet Designer: Li Shute
Video Designer: Li Dongqing
Composer & Arranger: Wei Gangyuan
Sound Designer: Du Siliang
Intangible Cultural Heritage Consultant: Dang Feihua
Foreign Affairs Coordinator: Ju Ping