The 11th Shanghai International Comedy Festival, themed Show Life, kicked off with the premiere of the original farce Today’s Name is Shanghai by Shanghai Farce Troupe at the Lyceum Theatre on Nov 13.

The year’s festival presents over 50 productions, a record high in its decade-long history.

Written by Xia Tianheng and directed by Yu Jie, both born in the 1980s, Today’s Name is Shanghai features the Shanghai Farce Troupe, with special appearances by local Shanghai dialect influencer Bibidao and international vloggers Tobias Le Compte from Belgium and Cleo Luden from France.

The play explores cross-cultural communication through comedic art.

Xia Tianheng said the play was initially titled One Day World, pronounced as eitisga in Shanghai dialect.

“Shanghai is a courteous and civilized city, and courtesy breeds affection. The name reflects the story’s setting of a single day and a building housing people from all over the world,” Xia said, adding that the phrase also captures the chaotic atmosphere of the story in Shanghai dialect.

Bibidao, who plays Azha, noted the challenges of performing farce: "The Shanghai Farce Troupe's passion for creating farce is truly inspiring. I've gained many like-minded friends through this experience."

The festival features international acts from Hungary, Japan, Italy, Spain, and Australia.

The closing show, Ann-droid: The Wonderful Adventures of a Robot Girl by Hungarian group Bandart, has won numerous awards for blending interactive technology and theater.

Japanese comedy group Yoshimoto Kogyo also returns with another comedy package, while Mexican mime artist Gabriela Munoz will present Perhaps, Perhaps…Quizas, a one-woman mime show she wrote and stars in.

Source: Jiefang Daily