“Douban score 8.1 Brain-burning suspense stage play “Corridor Pavilion Murder” landed in Shanghai at the end of July”
Murder crimes, suspenseful reasoning, emotional entanglements, and dark human nature… These elements have been the recipe for high-scoring suspense dramas. In recent years, suspense dramas have captivated audiences on both the big and small screens, cultivating a large following of fans. However, the realm of high-scoring suspense dramas extends beyond the confines of screens and reaches the captivating stage of drama.
Beijing Fanzhang Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Fanzhang Entertainment“) has produced and presented the stage play “Murder at the Corridor Pavilion,” created by the renowned Santuoqi Troupe. This thrilling production is set to be performed in Shanghai at the end of July. Another suspenseful masterpiece, “Intimate Relationship,” explores the misty realm of deception and delves into the depths of human hearts. Since its premiere in 2019, “Intimate Relationship” has earned an impressive Douban score of 8.1, surpassing other dramas of its kind.
“Murder at the Cloister Pavilion” is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by the famous suspense playwright Keigo Higashino. This highly controversial work has stood the test of time and been adapted multiple times. On June 6, 2018, Fanzhang Entertainment acquired the stage play copyright for this work, and it premiered in Beijing on January 9, 2019. The instant success and unanimous acclaim from the original author and drama fans solidified its position as a top contender. With a score of 8.1 on Douban, 8.8 on Barley, and 8.8 on Maoyan, it was selected as one of the top 10 bestsellers.
The stage play presents the intricate characters from Keigo Higashino’s original work while incorporating “masks” as important props and symbols. Utilizing stage techniques, the play seamlessly transitions between different character roles. Screenwriters Zhao Miao and Tang Xiawa meticulously rearranged the original work of 100,000 words into a script of 34 scenes, totaling approximately 50,000 words. The pacing of events and the exquisite stage style unravel the exploration of human nature and emotions.
The stage design by Cao Lu recreates the setting of the original book, the “Corridor Pavilion Murder Incident,” with four movable boxes forming the main stage. This dynamic design allows the boxes to not only represent the corridor passages but also serve as indoor scenes, providing both visual intrigue and flexible functionality.
Santuoqi Troupe’s hallmark of “physical drama” aligns perfectly with the suspense genre. Director Zhao Miao incorporates a significant amount of physical expressions in “The Murder at the Corridor Pavilion” to drive the plot and reveal the characters’ inner thoughts and subtext. Each scene, designed in 3 to 5-minute intervals, propels the narrative forward, ensuring the audience’s unwavering attention. Symbolic metaphors and the use of music designed by Tian Zhenzi heighten the sense of suspense, tension, and oppression. As the dance beauty transforms in different spaces, viewers also experience the helplessness and determination of the characters in their pursuit of love and revenge.
Since its premiere in January 2019, “Cloister Pavilion” has entered its fourth year. Notably, the 2023 tour will feature the talented actor Mao Zijun in the complex role of Richu Erro, a combination of “sadness” and “evil charm.” This marks Mao Zijun’s first venture into stage work in his career. Primarily known for his portrayals of period characters in TV dramas, Mao Zijun has made a name for himself with roles such as the infatuated 14th elder brother in “Beauty’s Scheming” and the ruthless prince Ma Duyun in “The Concubine.” Audiences eagerly anticipate the portrayal of Lizhong Erlang by Mao Zijun in this masterpiece of reasoning.
The stage play “Murder at the Corridor Pavilion” promises to deliver an enthralling experience for theatergoers, with its brain-burning suspense, complex characters, unexpected twists, and profound themes. The combination of Santuoqi Troupe’s physical drama, director Zhao Miao’s expert storytelling, and the meticulous attention to detail in the stage design ensures a captivating and unforgettable performance. Stay tuned for the Shanghai premiere at the end of July, as theater enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unraveling of this thrilling tale of murder and deception.