A Madman's Diary

Written in 1918, Lu Xun’ s „A Madman Diary” marked the advent of modern Chinese literature.  Although it is one of the most important works of the 20th century literature, it does not easily lend itself to adaptation. It is much more ambiguous than later Lu Xun’s works. Generally understood as an attack on the „cannibalistic” nature of traditional Chinese society and culture, the short story depicts the spiritual awakening of a scholar, dismissed by everyone around him as a bout of madness.

The story is full of narrative gaps and the way Krystian Lupa fills them sets his recent adaptation, staged in Shanghai, apart from earlier efforts. In his script Lupa draws on Lu’s other tales, producing the story which take audience on a journey deep into the minds — or mind — of madman and author alike.

Polish theatre master presents a Western interpretation of Lu Xun’s classic work to commemorate the writer’s 140th anniversary. The spectacle bridges the gap between Western and Eastern  culture, interpreting the work from the universal perspective – looking back to the years of „cannibalism”  it reveals many secrets as as well as prophecies for humanity put by Lu Xun.