Set against the bustling streets and quiet cafés of London, the audience witnesses Lairs's heartbreak amid her tumultuous romantic encounters. Her friend May, an independent woman, tries to guide Lairs towards self-reliance, aiming to prevent her from being repeatedly hurt.
The storyline revolves around the choice between becoming a madame or an independent woman, leading to intense dramatic conflict between May and Lairs due to their differing worldviews. As the plot unfolds, it delves into their family backgrounds and upbringing, revealing how these factors have differently shaped their lives.
The show delves deep into the complexities of female development, shedding light on the hidden shadows within it. It explores the profound influence of familial ties, particularly the nuanced dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. Set against the backdrop of big-city life, the narrative mirrors the real-world experiences of many women today. The performance vividly reveals the challenges women face as they grow, striking a powerful chord with the audience.
Drawing from her extensive background in counseling and education, playwright Qi Wang crafts a narrative deeply rooted in her real-life experiences. Her years of dedicated work in these fields inspire the storyline, which is enriched by her profound expertise in dramatic theory. The storyline portrays the varied challenges faced by women from different backgrounds and reveals the multifaceted aspects of the characters' inner lives from multiple perspectives.
The creative team behind this production is predominantly composed of women, with members hailing from various countries, including the China, German, UK, and the USA. For many of them, this is their first time creating a theatrical work in the UK, bringing their extensive experience and sincere enthusiasm to their debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The team members boast rich experience in both the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre, offering diverse perspectives and profound expertise to the production. The talented cast, including Joyce Lim and Li Xu, bring the characters of Lairs and May to life with compelling performances. Director Cameron Ablimit and Associate Director Xiaowen Xu demonstrated their ability to handle complex narratives, presenting the story on stage with depth and clarity. Yan Chen's brilliant music design enhances the story's captivation and impact. Nicolas P. Gy's lighting design, combined with Yiguo Jiav's set design, creates an immersive experience for the audience. Their collective contributions have resulted in a thoroughly captivating and mature theatrical piece for the audience, provoking strong reflection and highlighting the unique value of theatre in fostering social dialogue.
