Skip to main content
Bereft of insight into Chinese culture and politics
MARY CONWAY is disappointed by a production that panders – if inadvertently – to Western prejudice against China
duo

Shanghai Dolls
Kiln, Kilburn


THERE should be so much to recommend in this new two-hander which premieres at the Kiln.

For a start the context is rarely explored in this country and introduces ideas that are both weighty and engrossing. Secondly, the production quality is both confident and slick. And lastly, the two female performers are a joy to watch.

Amy Ng’s play, however, is overloaded and often impenetrable for this audience.   

Morning Star call for advertising
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
years
Theatre review / 7 February 2025
7 February 2025
MARY CONWAY recommends a beautifully judged performance that shines a light on the experience of all female war babies and boomers
CP meet
Best of 2024 / 18 December 2024
18 December 2024
A nervous year, showing that the theatre, like the world, stands on a precipice and seems uncertain where to jump
foxes
Theatre Review / 12 December 2024
12 December 2024
MARY CONWAY applauds a worthy revival of the US 1939 classic drama that studies the dehumanising consequences of affluence
anger
Theatre review / 4 October 2024
4 October 2024
MARY CONWAY relishes the revival of two classics for the naked expression of truthful thoughts and class anger