The company's assets aren't limited to performance, either. One of the most striking things to see on stage is the stage itself, a design that also earned Zeng Wentung (曾文通) Best Set Design at the same 1999 awards. In keeping with Ionesco's stage directions, Zeng designed a circular set which depicts the lighthouse and, arguably, goes a step further to more closely reflect the play's theme.
"I wanted the set to resemble the revolution of stars surrounding humanity," Zeng said. "The cold blue conveys a nihilistic feeling and this silly humanity busily comes in the space and busily goes out again without achieving anything. It's a universal loop that humanity can never escape."
Though it all sounds too dreary to bear, it apparently isn't. Even as the audience comes to realize they can never win "the game," The Game has ultimately won over audiences since its premiere. Perhaps it is as "exciting, fabulous, funny and crazy" as Zhen says it is.
Exhibition notes:
Who: Hong Kong's Theater Ensemble
What: The Game, an adaptation of Eugene Ionesco's The Chairs
When: Tomorrow, Saturday May 8, at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday, May 9, at 7:30pm
Where: Novel Hall (
Tickets: Available for between NT$500 and NT$1,200. Can be purchased by calling ERA ticketing at (02) 2341-9898 or visiting their Web site at http://www.ticket.com.tw
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