The Orphan of Zhao – Assistant Director

19:45, Tue 10th – Sat 14th March 2026 at ADC Theatre

A power-hungry courtier, a massacre of a clan, and its sole survivor, an orphan.

Tracing its origin to the 4th century BC, The Orphan of Zhao was the first piece of Chinese theatre to be introduced to the West. Following the epic consisting of a political blood feud, a series of self-sacrifices, and a seemingly heroic and just conclusion, it is referred to as the Chinese combination of Hamlet and King Lear. To revenge, or not to revenge, that is not the question; the question is how and by whom the price will be paid.

The language in James Fenton’s adaptation is modern and lyrical, the choreography and songs delicate, and the chinoiserie aesthetic captivating. This new staging of The Orphan of Zhao at ADC Theatre will immerse the audience into the far, ancient China, while asking questions that are still burningly relevant.