GRIST TO THE MILL PRODUCTIONS
DIAOCHAN: THE RISE OF THE COURTESAN
UK TOUR 2015 - 2016
Adapted and Directed by Ross Ericson
Featuring: Angelo Paragoso, Arthur Lee, Andrew Wong, Benjamin Lok,
Kevin Ta, Siu-See Hung and Michelle Yim
Armour Specialist: Philip Dell
A collaboration with Red Dragonfly Productions.
DiaoChan Tour is supported using public funding from the Unity Theatre Trust and by Arts Council England.
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.
"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"
#DiaoChan
Angelo Paragoso as DongZhuo and Michelle Yim as DiaoChan
Angelo Paragoso as DongZhuo and Arthur Lee as LuBu
UK Tour 2015-2016
Angelo Paragoso as DongZhuo and Michelle Yim as DiaoChan
"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 welcome boost to the British East-Asian theatre scene’"
Actdrop -
"A satisfying and enjoyable play, ably interpreted by a capable and determined company"
Craven Herald reviewer, Settle -
"Political machinations of 'Wolf Hall' with an exotic touch of 'Shogun'... A clever and fascinating piece of theatre, performed with great charm and passion."
"Intriguing piece of drama… costumes are absolutely fantastic"
"The great humour, and an enthusiastic, dedicated cast do make it a joy to watch."
Confucius Institute UWTSD -
"A fantastic performance... Diaochan was gripping. Bring us more Chinese classics please!"
Confucius Institute of Education UCL -
"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"
From November 2015 to May 2016, DiaoChan completed 45 performances at 20 venues all around the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ending its tour at the Above the Arts Studio, Arts Theatre in London's West End. Throughout the tour, we made contacts and performed to audience from Chinese communities and Confucius Institutes in Cheltenham, Cumbernauld, Lampeter, Lancaster, Leeds, London, Manchester and Newcastle.
Check out our interview with South China Morning Post and ChronicleLive.
