From Jan. 2 to 11, six stage productions from China and abroad invite audiences to explore the new frontiers of contemporary performance art in Futian District.
Hosted at the Antuoshan Public Cultural Center (APCC), Futian's new cultural landmark, these shows are highlights of the 5th Shenzhen Futian Contemporary Theater Biennale, which marks a decade since its launch in 2016.
'The Seventh Day'
A poster for "The Seventh Day."
Yang Fei has just died in an explosion. For this man of humble origins, arriving in the afterlife serves as a reminder of his existence. How can he hope to be buried when he cannot afford a tomb? In this other world, Yang meets other souls in limbo: his ex-wife, the girl-rat and her companion, and many chess players. Yet his journey remains tranquil, driven by a desire to find his father, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Adapted from award-winning author Yu Hua's 2013 novel — itself based on real events — "The Seventh Day" draws inspiration from the biblical creation myth and reflects a universal longing for answers about one's existence.
The show directed by veteran Meng Jinghui was staged at the Avignon Festival in France in 2022. This production features Chinese film actress Li Gengxi in her stage debut, supported by a powerhouse cast and visual team.
Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 2–3
'Le Sedie' ('The Chairs')
A poster for "Le Sedie."
In "The Chairs," the audience is drawn into a surreal world where an elderly couple prepares to deliver an important message to invisible guests. The play explores themes of existential anxiety and futility as the couple interacts with a parade of unseen visitors, building toward a tragic conclusion. Blending dark humor and absurdity, it highlights the human need for validation and the often elusive nature of meaningful communication.
Longtime collaborators Michele Orsi Bandini and Barbara Dondi have adapted Eugène Ionesco's original with contemporary touches, using gravity-defying stage dynamics and minimalist aesthetics to explore isolation. The result is a compelling fusion of theater, installation, and movement — ideal for fans of European experimental theater.
Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 2; 4 p.m. & 8:30 p.m., Jan. 3
'Anger Management'
A scene from "Anger Management."
In this piece for four dancers, Swiss choreographer Joshua Monten channels emotional overload into a kinetic, high-contact performance that oscillates between humor and tension. The dancers unleash their rage, shedding civilized manners to show where the currents of anger can lead. The consequences vary — reconciliation, intimacy, empowerment, and catharsis may all emerge, offering a sweet sense of relief when the storm subsides.
Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 9; 2:30 p.m., Jan. 10
'Paranormal'
A scene from "Paranormal." Photos from WeChat account "福田文体中心"
Young artist Sun Mingchi is beloved by fans for his vibrant imagination and striking stage visuals. His work "Paranormal" explores the inner worlds of Gen-Zers and the supernatural moments in their lives, delving into themes of trauma, loneliness, and the blurred line between "normal" and "abnormal." The production masterfully blends lighting, sound, body movement, and installation art. It received the gold award in the Future Theater Showcase at the Aranya Theater Festival in Hebei Province in July.
Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 10; 2:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., Jan. 11
'Dor-A.I.-Mon'
A poster for "Dor-A.I.-Mon."
Directed by Hong Kong artist Wu King Yeung, who also wrote the script, with choreography by Yang Hao, "Dor-A.I.-Mon, aka the Rise of A.I. and the Decline of Hao Hao" portrays a dancer's mid-life crisis under the dual pressures of declining physical ability and the growing influence of AI and technology.
The dancers express emotions through movement and engage the audience through improvisational comedy. The show reflects on human desire, anxiety, and identity crises in an age of rapidly evolving technology.
Time: 2:30 p.m., Jan. 3; 8 p.m., Jan. 4
'Rocinante Eating Grass'
A poster for "Rocinante Eating Grass."
Directed by Hua Shan with a script by Xiao Han, this stage adaptation is based on French dramatist Bernard-Marie Koltès' "Night Just Before the Forest."
Deconstructing the original text and recontextualizing it within contemporary globalized life, the production explores themes of identity anxiety and technological alienation. The soliloquy of the protagonist — a digital nomad — is interwoven with industrial noise and electronic music.
Time: 8 p.m., Jan. 5–6
Ticketing: "大麦" miniprogram or app
Venue: Antuoshan Public Cultural Center, Futian District (福田区安托山公共文化中心)
Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Antuoshan Station (安托山站), Exit C
