The highly anticipated stage adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Shawshank Redemption” made its debut in Shenzhen, China, on January 4, marking its first-ever stage performance in the country. Previously prohibited in China, this adaptation of King’s novella “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” took the form of a play, uniquely presented in Chinese by a cast of Western actors residing in China.
The 1994 film adaptation, directed by Frank Darabont and starring Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, earned immense acclaim globally, securing its place as an iconic and enduring cinematic masterpiece. Despite its release three decades ago, the movie continues to feature prominently on lists of beloved films. With its themes revolving around corrupt prison officials and a meticulously planned escape, the narrative delves into the friendships and anxieties of inmates confined within the walls of the Shawshank State Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison.
In China, the journey of “The Shawshank Redemption” encountered obstacles. While the film initially gained attention during the 2005 Shanghai International Film Festival, it faced setbacks after online searches for “Shawshank” were blocked on Chinese internet and social media platforms in 2012. This restriction followed real-world events, including the escape of blind lawyer Chen Guangcheng from house arrest, leading to a diplomatic incident between the United States and China. The film’s perceived anti-authoritarian stance may have contributed to its temporary ban.
The latest stage adaptation seeks to transcend these past challenges, aiming to convey a message of hope and resilience. Directed by renowned actor and filmmaker Zhang Guoli (“Back to 1942,” “The 601st Phone Call”), the production aims to contextualize the western narrative within a unique Chinese cultural framework.
Mark Rowswell, known by his Chinese name Da Shan and hailing from Canada, portrays the narrator, Red. Andy Friend (also known as An Di), a Beijing-born U.S. actor renowned for roles in Chinese blockbusters like “The Wandering Earth” and “The Battle at Lake Changjin,” embodies the corrupt warden Greg Stammas. Antagonists Rooster and Hadley are depicted by Shawn Patrick Moore and Matt William Knowles (“Asura,” “Son of the South”), respectively, while Australia’s James Clarke portrays the hero, Andy.
Knowles, discussing the adaptation with Variety, highlighted the play’s translation from the English version while incorporating elements from King’s novella and the film. He emphasized that despite maintaining the setting in Maine, the characters fluently speak Chinese, integrating Chinese cultural nuances and phrases to cater to the local audience.
Zhang Guoli and Tim Robbins, who collaborated on the 2011 Chinese epic film “Back to 1942,” have maintained communication, with Zhang keeping Robbins updated on the stage adaptation’s progress. Zhang expressed his admiration for the impact of “The Shawshank Redemption” on Chinese audiences and conveyed his aspirations for the play’s success, aiming to tour 20 cities in the upcoming year.
Previous stage adaptations of the story have surfaced, including one in 2009 led by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, premiering in Dublin and subsequently touring London’s Broadway and other locations.
Co-produced by China Dream Live Entertainment and Longma Entertainment, “The Shawshank Redemption” will run in Shenzhen from January 12-14 before touring to Shanghai (January 18-21) and Beijing (January 25-28).
