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Winner of the 2024 Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Playwriting
Beijing, 1983. Two theatrical titans, Ying Ruocheng and Arthur Miller, are about to embark on one of the most groundbreaking productions in theatre history: Ying’s Mandarin translation of Miller’s influential masterpiece, Death of a Salesman. This unprecedented artistic partnership between China and the United States attracts widespread curiosity and skepticism. In the wake of the communist Cultural Revolution, how can Chinese audiences possibly connect to this classic examination of the American Dream? Misunderstandings and tensions in the rehearsal room abound. As whispers of official scrutiny grow louder, the artists soon realize there is much more at stake than their artistic reputations.
Salesman in China explores the fascinating true story behind an historic collaboration that advanced political relations and forever changed the trajectory of theatrical expression in China. Through the challenges posed by mutual incomprehension, artistic and personal differences, and cultural collisions, their unwavering dedication serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to transcend borders and embrace a shared humanity.
“A landmark piece of Canadian theatre…A production that demonstrates the capacity for art to unite, challenge and, ultimately, heal us.”
–Joshua Chong, Toronto Star
“Storytelling magic.”
–Postmedia
“A fascinating new bilingual play…Salesman in China is a show attracting considerable international attention, as well it should.”
–Chicago Tribune
“A brilliant new play, fully ready to take the world’s stages by storm.”
–J. Kelly Nestruck, Globe and Mail
“Not only is it a fascinating piece of little-known history, but the engrossing play also boils down a still-contentious, extremely complicated, massively relevant multinational divide into an idea that’s simple, timeless and universal: The show must go on.”
–New York Post
“A complex, engaging and stimulating work…painted in colors both subtle and rich.”
–Wall Street Journal
“This drama shows a deep understanding of the Chinese people.”
–China News
Jovanni Sy is a Montreal-based playwright, director, and performer. He is the former artistic director of Gateway Theatre (Vancouver) and Cahoots Theatre (Toronto). His plays include A Taste of Empire, The Five Vengeances, Nine Dragons (winner of the Jessie Richardson Award), The Tao of the World (winner of the PGC Comedy Award), and Kowloon Bay (winner of the PGC Drama Award). Directing credits include Salesman in China (Stratford Festival); The Orchard (After Chekhov), Yoga Play (Vancouver); Murder on the Orient Express (Calgary); Stitch (Toronto); and Blackbird, Antigone, and God of Carnage (Hong Kong).
Leanna Brodie is a Montreal-based playwright, translator, and actor. Her plays Schoolhouse, The Book of Esther, For Home and Country, and The Vic have been seen from coast to coast. Her opera with Anthony Young, Ulla’s Odyssey, toured the UK for two years with OperaUpClose. She is also a leading translator of Québécois and Franco-Canadian plays, and recent premieres include Rébecca Déraspe’s I Am William (Stratford Festival) and You Are Happy (GCTC); Sébastien Harrison’s From Alaska (Belfry Theatre); Catherine Léger’s I Lost My Husband! (Gateway Theatre/Ruby Slippers Theatre) and Home Deliveries (Ruby Slippers/Jericho Arts Centre); Fanny Britt’s Benevolence (Ruby Slippers Theatre/Pacific Theatre), and David Paquet’s Wildfire (Upstream Theater, Factory Theatre, Dora Mavor Moore Award) and The Weight of Ants (The Cherry Arts, Tom Hendry Award).