Lijia Zhang's Blog, page 10

Our Country’s Good

“Our Country’s Good” is super good!

Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play “Our Country’s Good” is not just good—it is truly remarkable, a work that has cemented her reputation in the world of theatre. Adapted from the novel “The Playmaker,” this play first graced the London stage in 1988, and its enduring brilliance has brought it back to life at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Set in the harsh and unforgiving penal colony of New South Wales, Australia, the narrative follows Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark as he endeavors to stage George Farquhar’s comedy “The Recruiting Officer” with a cast of convicts. As rehearsals unfold, the characters—both the officers and the convicts—grapple with their personal demons, prejudices, and the transformative power of art. The play is a profound exploration of redemption, the corrosive effects of colonialism, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Wertenbaker, ever the master of her craft, delivers a story where power and performance are intricately woven, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

On a personal note, Timberlake, the wife of my dear friend John Man, graciously offered me two tickets to the opening night. I was thrilled to attend with my actress daughter Mei, though it was a near-miss. My day began in Pisa, with an early flight back to London that was delayed by nearly four hours. By the time I arrived at Gatwick, it was late afternoon—no time to return home to drop my backpack, let alone change into something more fitting for the theatre, which I always prefer. Exhausted, I almost left during the interval, but the play was so captivating that I remained in my seat until the final curtain. Such is the power of a well-crafted play!

“Our Country’s Good” runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until the 5th of October. If you have the chance, do not miss it!

Marriage portrait

“The South China Morning Post has launched a new column where writers delve into social issues through personal experiences, offering a more intimate and relatable perspective. Here’s my contribution.”
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3273449/put-ring-it-chinese-women-dont-need-marriage-any-more

My neighbor Totoro

Japanese Animated Film: My Neighbor Totoro

How I loved this film! Normally, I don’t particularly enjoy fantasy movies, and I rarely watch animated films either. (After all, I am a fully grown woman.) However, I adore Hayao Miyazaki’s works and loved both Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Naturally, I had high expectations for My Neighbor Totoro, and I was not disappointed. This is one of the most charming films I’ve ever watched.

The film follows two spirited girls who move to a village outside Tokyo with their university professor father to be closer to the hospital where their mother is staying. One day, the younger girl, Mei, who is four years old, wanders into the nearby forest and encounters a giant creature she calls Totoro. Totoro becomes her friend. When Mei goes missing after an argument with her sister, it is Totoro who saves the day, with the help of the ‘cat bus’.

Interestingly, despite being a ghost story of sorts, the film is not frightening at all. The creature is gentle, and there is no villain or evil force. Yet, the charm of the characters, great storytelling, and the original, enchanting world it presents draw you in completely.

Well, a fully grown woman (or man) can also appreciate the enchantment of a child’s world.

Book event

Last night, I went to a book launching event at Charring Cross Library, a novel titled “Living a stolen life” by Chinese writer Dong Xi, published by Sinoist Books. I am delighted that there are more novels being translated and introduced to the British market. Well done Sinoist Books.

being quoted in the Guardian

It doesn’t make sense: China’s birthrate is plummeting yet the authorities don’t allow single woman to access assisted re-production technology, forcing many to freeze their eggs abroad. Here’s an excellent piece in the Guardian, in which I am quoted.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/17/single-women-china-egg-freezing-ban

Tell China Story well

Almost exactly 11 years ago, Xi spoke of the need to “tell China’s story well”, his strategy for better external communications and to project a more favourable image of the nation. As a writer, I am fascinated by the idea. Sadly, despite millions spent on pushing for national soft power, it has not worked. Here’s why.

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3270095/tell-chinas-story-well-its-writers-must-be-free-enough-do-so

my favourite poem

On bbc radio 4 Women’s Hour

I was on today’s women’s hour, talking about the sentencing of Sophia Huang Xueqin, an independent journalist and women’s rights activist and the more broad issue of feminist movement in China. Our segment starts at 32 minutes. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00208dz

Jaipur literature festival

I spent the past weekend at the British Library, attending the Jaipur Literature Festival, which now has many brunches around the world. This is my third lit fes in a month. I went partly to support friends, such as Shrabani Basu and Bee Rowlatt. (Bee’s debut novel One Woman Crime Wave is making waves), and partly I just love such festivals.

Apart from Bee and Shrabani, two female historians Mary Beard and Josephine Quinn stole the show. They were so funny and witty that they made the audience laugh so much that it threatened to life the roof!

school bullying in China

Why does school bullying take place everywhere in the world? Is it human nature that some of the stronger ones want to bully the weak ones? In China, the problem is getting worse yet the laws are inadequate. Here’s my investigation into the matter.

https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3265576/china-needs-better-protect-victims-school-bullying

For those who can’t access the article, feel free to get in touch with me.