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A century ago, Lu Xun's words shocked the literary world by exposing the hypocrisy of a society that 'eats people' without shedding blood. Today, avant-garde Chinese director Li Jianjun brings this timeless tale to the stage, fusing raw rock music with powerful theatre.
The stage is covered in gravel and rubble, creating a rough, desolate texture that mirrors the human psyche. The angry, eerie rock music—featuring live electric guitar, bass, and a raspy vocalist—resonates with this decay, drawing the audience instantly into the drama without melodrama. The actors' impassioned performances deliver pointed, resonant questions. The theatrical force is palpable, even with your eyes closed. Open them, and you'll confront the century-old truth presented by Diary of a Madman: in a world that devours, the one who refuses to 'eat' is the true madman.
If everyone is eating people, would you take a bite?
This production premiered at the Beijing International Youth Theatre Festival, where it was voted "Most Popular Work" by audiences. It has since been invited to perform in Tokyo, Taipei, Berlin, and other cities to widespread acclaim.
