34rd Macau Arts Festival-Experimental Kunqu Opera “The Chairs”

The 34th Macao Arts Festival, with the theme of "Adventures", will be held from May 3 to June 7, presenting 19 selected programs and 23 extended activities, with a total of about 80 performances. Covering drama, opera, dance, music and visual arts, etc., high-quality art programs are carefully selected. Many programs of this arts festival are themed with fantasy elements (such as: "The Jungle Book (Reimagined Edition)", "Sleeping Beauty" ), interprets classic stories in innovative ways and embarks on an adventure with the audience. From this art festival, the audience can encounter various aspects of life, including exploring the relationship between people and the environment, family love, time, family, etc.

Adapted from Eugène Ionesco’s 1952 avant-garde play into an experimental opera, The Chairs blends China’s oldest performing tradition with Theatre of the Absurd, delivering both in a new guise. Staged by award-winning performers of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, this acclaimed minimalist show asks us to reflect on the meaning of life, love, loneliness, and the world around us.

On a deserted island, an old couple sets out chairs, welcoming a series of invisible guests, from old friends and first loves, to their children and even the emperor. Eventually, a long-awaited final guest will make them realise that everything has been an illusion, and their lives were nothing but an absurd dream.

This production has toured internationally since its premiere, in Japan, followed by stints in China, Russia and Albania. In Macao, The Chairs will be set outdoors, ready for a magnificent performance at the unique scenery of the Mandarin House.