Sleep No More Shanghai, take one
Initial thoughts - trying not to spoil too much -
* Some things are exactly the same as in NYC * Some things are a lot better * Some things are significantly worse
MINOR SPOILERS FOLLOW, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
The good:
There are two completely new characters, with a story based on Chinese mythology. Major characters, not minor. I enjoyed them very much. If you’re going to make the trip all the way out here, they would be the main reason it’s worth it. Not a whole new Punchdrunk show, but at least FINALLY something new.
Taxi, Cunning Man, and Speakeasy have way more to do. As far as I can tell, no characters have been cut, although some have been changed, often in good ways.
The performances are top notch. A mix of Punchdrunk’s best, plus new performers who have been taught very well. It was wonderful to finally see so many Drowned Man performers in a Punchdrunk show again.
The budget put into the set shows clearly. Everything is beautiful and clean.
The layouts of the rooms make more logical sense. Duncan’s suites and the Macduff suites especially. They are huge, beautiful, and elaborate - Duncan’s actually befits a king.
There is more space and less rush for walkouts, which makes them more powerful.
The disappointing:
A lot of components from the New York show have been watered down. I saw no nudity and very little blood. The rave was nowhere near as powerful. (The rep bar also has a low ceiling, which didn’t help.)
The ballroom and Macbeth bedroom are smaller and less impressive. I didn’t follow the Macbeths, but the lack of bathtub in their suite speaks for itself.
The Porter doesn’t have a mirror for “Moonlight Becomes You,” and even if he did, the layout is such that you would not be able to see Lady Macduff in it anyway. :’(
The fourth floor shops are too small and cramped - lots of getting stuck in traffic jams and not being able to see much of the scene.
The language barrier makes it difficult to connect with the bar characters and bartenders, though of course this isn’t an issue if you speak Chinese.
The bar is pretty dead after the show ends. And there is no free water. :(
It’s extremely commercial - video ads outside on the building, a sponsored Budweiser on the bar menu, a full on gift shop. (Anyone want a McKinnon-themed china tea set?)
Slight recap of my actual first show - I wandered without following anyone for long. I didn’t follow Boy Witch at all (surprise!) but my first and only 1:1 was the Porter (no surprise at all). The performer (Andrea?) was great. The person playing Hecate was also wonderful (I don’t want to spoil who). I loved seeing Sam Booth and Olly Hornsby-Sayer do a completely surreal and strange new scene. I accidentally ended up following my least favorite character (Cunning Man) because Omar Gordon is so good. I was walked out by a Chinese performer who I think was playing the equivalent of the Matron, and who was great. Not a single performance was disappointing.
Oh man - now I want to know ALL about it.













