Rickshaw Boy

Rickshaw Boy narrates the life of Xiangzi, a rickshaw puller in Beiping during the Republic of China era. A strong and ambitious young man from the countryside, Xiangzi dreams of building an ideal life through his own efforts. However, fate repeatedly thwarts his aspirations, and despite his hard work and determination, his circumstances remain unchanged. In the context of modern society, Xiangzi’s helplessness and confusion reflect the struggles of modern workers caught in similar cycles of hardship.

Lao She is widely celebrated as a “Master of Language”, with his works both entertaining and deeply rooted in the local culture of Beijing. Rickshaw Boy is among Lao She’s most renowned masterpieces. It presents a tragic story laced with humour, using Beijing dialect and expressions to vividly portray the resilience, pride, and underlying pain of his characters. Director Fang Xu, often regarded as a “Lao She specialist,” has adapted Lao She’s works for the stage numerous times with his distinctive expressive and interpretative style. In this production, Fang Xu reimagines the original text through a contemporary lens, incorporating modern aesthetics into the stage design, lighting, music, and visual composition.

While the tragic struggles of the rickshaw pullers portrayed in Rickshaw Boy may seem distant to contemporary audiences, the story also offers a compelling psychological portrait of Xiangzi himself. It delves into the conflict between his ideals and the harsh realities, alongside the confusion, frustration, and helplessness that permeate his inner world – emotions that remain profoundly relatable even today.

Another standout feature of this adaptation is its all-male cast, which boldly challenges traditional gender roles while employing a non-linear, visually-driven narrative structure to depict Xiangzi’s tragic journey. This innovative approach departs from a straightforward retelling, offering a rich and layered interpretation.

One of the female characters, Tigress, is portrayed by Zhao Zhen, a nationally acclaimed Chinese actor with extensive theatre experience, who brings the role of to life with a commanding portrayal of her domineering and sharp-tongued personality. Another female character, Xiao Fu Zi, is portrayed by Ren Yubin, who is trained in traditional opera Dan roles. He delivers a poignant performance, capturing the character’s sorrow and timidity with nuance. Siqin Gaowa, an actress renowned for her iconic portrayal of Tigress in the film adaptation of Rickshaw Boy (1982), serves as the artistic advisor for this production.

This marks the firs-ever staging of Rickshaw Boy in Singapore and Fang Xu’s debut at the Esplanade. The critically acclaimed all-male cast, which has captivated audiences in China, will perform in this groundbreaking production, making it a must-see event!