Red Dragonfly Productions
#DiaoChan
DiaoChan: The Rise of the Courtesan
Adapted and Directed by Ross Ericson
Cast: Angelo Paragoso, Arthur Lee, Andrew Wong, Benjamin Lok, Kevin Ta, Siu-See Hung and Michelle Yim
A collaboration with Grist to the Mill Productions:
Taken from the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, and often referred to as the Chinese Macbeth, DiaoChan is a classic tale of lust, jealousy and revenge.
With the great warrior LuBu at his side the tyrant DongZhuo is unassailable, but when both men fall for minister WangYun’s courtesan – DiaoChan – they find themselves a pawn in her dangerous game.
We are very grateful that DiaoChan: The Rise of the Courtesan is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and supported by Unity Theatre Trust.
Angelo Paragoso as DongZhuo & Michelle Yim as DiaoChan
Angelo Paragoso as DongZhuo & Arthur Lee as LuBu
UK Tour 2015-2016
Angelo Paragoso as DongZhuo & Michelle Yim as DiaoChan
‘Beautifully realised, captivating piece of theatre. Don’t miss it.’
‘High quality theatre and acting, superbly written, original, very relevant and with comedic flair, [this play] is a tremendously enjoyable, exceptional work.’
‘A breath of fresh air...well-constructed and intoxicating play’
‘Political machinations of "Wolf Hall" with an exotic touch of "Shogun"...
A clever and fascinating piece of theatre, performed with great charm and passion.’
Craven Herald reviewer, Settle
‘Intriguing piece of drama… costumes are absolutely fantastic’
‘The great humour, and an enthusiastic, dedicated cast do make it a joy to watch.’
‘A welcome boost to the British East-Asian theatre scene’
‘An ancient story performed in a modern and accessible format.’
‘An enjoyable and interesting night in the theatre which leaves you knowing a little more about the history and culture of an ancient and fascinating civilisation.’
‘A satisfying and enjoyable play, ably interpreted by a capable and determined company’
'A fantastic performance... Diaochan was gripping. Bring us more Chinese classics please!'
Executive Director of the
Confucius Institute UWTSD
'As a way of engaging students and exposing them to Chinese history and literature, or just for an entertaining evening out, this production is a very good starting point’
DiaoChan Autumn 2015 Tour
Cheltenham
Dates: 3th - 4th November 2015
Venue: Studio, Everyman Theatre
Devon
Date: 6th November 2015
Venue: Crediton Arts Centre
Date: 13th November 2015
Venue: Brixham Arts Theatre
Ledbury
Date: 7th November 2015
Venue: Market Theatre
Reading
Date: 14th November 2015
Venue: St Bart's Theatre
DiaoChan Chinese New Year 2016 Tour
Manchester
Dates: 5th February 2016
Venue: MGS Theatre
Lancaster
Dates: 6th February 2016
Venue: Lancaster Central Library
Wales
Dates: 9th February 2016
Venue: Arts Hall, UWTSD Lampeter Campus
Dates: 10th February 2016
Venue: Penglais School, Aberystwth
Derby
Dates: 11th February 2016
Venue: Guildhall Theatre, DerbyLIVE
DiaoChan Spring 2016 Tour
Northumberland
Dates: 2nd March 2016
Venue: Queens Hall Arts Centre,
Hexham
Halifax
Dates: 3rd March 2016
Venue: Square Chapel Centre for the Arts
Settle
Dates: 4th March 2016
Venue: Victoria Hall
Scotland
Dates: 5th March 2016
Venue: Cumbernauld Theatre
Cumbria
Dates: 11th March 2016
Venue: Heron Theatre, Milnthorpe
Leeds
Dates: 12th March 2016
Venue: Seven Arts Centre
Suffolk
Dates: 18th March 2016
Venue: The Cut, Halesworth
North Lincolnshire
Dates: 19th March 2016
Venue: Ropery Hall, The Ropewalk
Northern Ireland
Dates: 31st March - 2nd April 2016
Venue: Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
London
Dates: 9th to 28th May 2016
Venue: Above the Arts, Arts Theatre
DiaoChan: Research & Development Feb 2015
We invited local Chinese communities, British venues and theatre professionals to the rehearsed-readings of DiaoChan at Bristol and London. The rehearsed-readings were followed by Q&A sessions with the creatives and audience.
Thursday 12 February 2015
Armada House, Telephone Avenue, Bristol BS1 4 BQ
Room: Cabot Room
Evening: 7.30pm
Sunday 15 February 2015
Arcola Theatre, Studio 2, 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL
DiaoChan Rehearsed-Reading: 2.30pm
