TheDreamer

Desperate to escape a humdrum life and the social pressure of finding a husband, Helena retreats to her dreams, where she encounters the man of her dreams. But this courtship is no stroll in the garden for our beautiful heroine, who must fight her way through a series of extraordinary visions, nightmares and memories if she is to make true love a reality.

Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tang Xianzu’s mythical romance The Peony Pavilion, The Dreamer is unlike any other Shakespeare adaptation – an imaginative, free-flowing work that seamlessly blends movement, melodrama, comedy and live music into the most bewitching storytelling.

In collaboration with British physical theatre gurus Gecko, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre have not only injected new life into classic texts but given them a vibrant modern twist. Featuring stunning shadowplay, an immersive soundscape, exceptional set design and an all-Chinese cast of powerfully expressive performers and musicians, The Dreamer is a feast for the eyes and the ears. Prepare to be transported.

Told primarily through movement with some spoken English and Mandarin

EXTRA: Pre-show talks
Thu 21 Mar & Fri 22 Mar 6.00pm: Wintergarden, The Civic
FREE for ticketholders

Watch the trailer here

"There’s this idea that you can find your love through magic or potions, or in a dream. But where is the truth? Where is the real love?"
Read more from the creators of The Dreamer here

Listen to RNZ Concert interview with Gecko Theatre's Chris Evans here

Opening Night Audiences Loved The Dreamer. Watch the video here

Images: Yin Xuefeng

Reviews from the Auckland season

 "... a blur of motion, a series of arresting images mixed with comedic scenes and moments of mystery, longing and romance." – NZ Herald
Read the review here

"The Dreamer could be the most outstanding production of the Festival for staging, sound and lighting. The beautiful performances of the whole company from Shanghai seem to create light and sound out of their expressive movement." – Radio13
Read the review here

Enjoy a 'Mojo Moment' with The Dreamer cast members Yang Ziyi and Wu Jingwei here