The Impostor (If I Were Real)

The Impostor (If I Were Real)

“The Impostor (If I Were Real)” is a satirical play co-written by Sha Yexin, Li Shoucheng, and Yao Mingde. Set during the Cultural Revolution in China, it follows Tang Zhiyu, an ambitious young man who poses as a high-ranking official to climb the social ladder. The play humorously exposes the absurdities of bureaucratic systems and human vanity while offering a scathing critique of the era’s societal norms. Its sharp wit and poignant themes make it a compelling work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Sha Yexin

Sha Yexin is a prominent Chinese playwright and screenwriter known for his bold and innovative storytelling. Born in 1939, he emerged as a key figure in modern Chinese drama, challenging political and cultural norms through his work. Sha’s plays, including “The Impostor,” often explore themes of identity, power, and morality. His commitment to social commentary and artistic integrity has earned him acclaim both within and beyond China. Despite facing censorship during his career, Sha remains an influential voice in contemporary theatre.

JOIN PLAY DATE

Play Date is a monthly play reading activity, held on the third Thursday of each month.  We read one play from around the world together. The play reading is followed by a group discussion about the play. Anyone is welcome to join and practice reading out loud, regardless of experience or level of English comprehension. With Play Date, learning English becomes fun. This is a place where you can practice speaking out loud, expand your vocabulary and meet new people. Play Date is produced by Crane Creations Theatre Company. Crane Creations is an immigrant led professional theatre company located in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. Join us for our next Play Date!