From loafing to dignity: The mise en scène of Guo Shixing‘s play Go Home directed by Lin Zhaohua

Abstract

Guo Shixing is considered one of the most interesting playwrights in contemporary China. In his production, an important role is played by his two trilogies, the Loafers (1990s) trilogy and the Dignity (2000s) trilogy. After briefly analysing commonalities and differences between the two trilogies, this essay focuses on an analysis of the text and the mise en scène of the third play in the Dignity trilogy, Go Home. The essay will show that this play can be seen as a sort of point of arrival for Guo Shixing’s creative writing, concentrating the distinctive features that have marked his production from the beginning. In particular, the study will reflect on the close link between theatre and society, and on the function of dramaturgical writing as a mirror and at the same time a criticism of contemporary society.