Red Dragonfly Productions
The Autumn of Han
The Autumn of Han is a new adaptation, by Ross Ericson, of a traditional Chinese play for the European stage. The play previewed in London as part of So and So Art Club's Festival and premiered at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013.
MaoYanShao, a corrupt minister in the Han court, is given the task of selecting new concubines for the Emperor’s harem, but when a beautiful woman called ZhaoJun refuses to supply him with the usual bribe he hides her away in a forgotten wing of the palace. However ZhaoJun is a resourceful woman and, with the help of the eunuch Little Yellow Gate, she engineers a chance meeting between her and the Emperor. When the Emperor sets eyes on her he immediately falls in love, and this sets off a chain of events that sees all their lives changed forever.
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A collaboration with Grist To The Mill Productions.
Adapted and Directed by Ross Ericson
Cast: Ashley Alymann, William M Lee, Benjamin Wong and Michelle Yim
Costume: Margot Edwards and Nancy Yim
Music: Pearl Yim
#AutumnofHan
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Audience Review:
Christine McDerment - The Autumn of Han is a charming piece of theatre based on a traditional Chinese tale of love, hate and revenge at the court of the Han emperor: good acting from all four participants aided by glorious costumes transport the audience to another age. A definite piece of enjoyable escapism.
Jill Morgan - A real gem of the Fringe. Beautifully acted and very moving.
Gavin Moysey - Excellent storyline and high quality acting made this a compelling show. Great value and I would recommend to anyone!
Karen Murray - A Fable... It was delightful... a touching story, timeless.
Athina Pandelis - Fantastic - We thoroughly enjoy the show. Wanted more, first class actors.
Caroline Pennent-Jones - Enchanted... The acting, the attention to detail, the costumes were all wonderful... done so beautifully... magical.
"Beautifully captures the majesty and beauty of the Han Dynasty era... A wonderful experience to explore the culture and traditions of ancient China through their own mythology, in a manner that will appeal to everyone."
"Sumptuously costumed... evocatively traditional-style music heightening its Oriental mood... melodramatic elements and stately quality befitting its setting... a richly talented and promising ensemble"
"Touching tale... tightly woven and well foreshadowed ...the ancient Chinese culture comes to life for us"
"An interesting portrait of vanity, the price of beauty and peace, and the lengths to which people will go in search of vengeance."
"The rich costumes and stylised movements retain intrinsic Chinese meaning... acting is consistently good... the perfect antidote to the more gritty material offered by the Fringe this year and is well worth a watch"
Edinburgh Fringe Festival Performance
Preview: 2nd August 2013
Dates: 3rd - 24th August 2013
Location: The Space @ Surgeons Hall, Theatre 1
London Preview
The Autumn of Han previewed on 25th July 2013, at Kick Up The Arts Festival Showcase hosted by the So and So Arts Club, in Tristan Bates Theatre, London.
