The Open Couple is a romantic play which was written by Dario Fo together with his wife Franca Rame, who later acted in the adapted TV drama. It was written in 1983. In this farce about sexual politics in marriage, a man persuades his suicidal wife that an open marriage is politically correct and embarks on dalliances with younger women, to her dismay and fury. After deciding to be on her own, the tables are turned when she confesses to a new man, Nobel prize-nominated professor and inspired singer-songwriter; it is the husband who becomes suicidal.

 

In real life we are always accustomed to the so-called “model couples” and we might believe that loving someone means sweetness and love for the whole life. However, uncertainty lies in everything. This is a true story of a married life, a vivid portrayal of an unhappy marriage, presented in a special artistic way. The Open Couple talks with the audience, directly and indirectly, triggering all sorts of reflections.

 

It depicts a true-life story of a couple, exploring whether an open relationship is really what keeps love fresh from a realistic perspective. Although director Li Minyuan has adapted more than 50% of the script, he still keeps the original structure to show “respect for the artist and respect for the audience”. Dario Fo’s rights broker flew specifically from Italy to Shanghai to watch the first round of The Open Couple at Shanghai Drama Arts Center·D6. The adaptation of the show in the current context makes Dario Bofu’s broker certain that the play explores the core desire of human nature, thus will never be out of date.

 

 

Dario Fo was an Italian actor-playwright, comedian, singer, theatre director, stage designer, songwriter, painter, political campaigner for the Italian left-wing and the recipient of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Literature. In his time he was “arguably the most widely performed contemporary playwright in world theatre”. His plays have been translated into 30 languages and performed across the world.

 

 

Li Mingyuan is now a lecturer at Shanghai Theatre Academy. He grew up in Taiwan and received a doctor’s degree in France. Having practical theatrical experience of almost 20 years, he served as a director, actor, lecturer, and was involved in various technical work. He was nominated for Best Director in the drama competition of Taiwanese colleges. In a multi-cultural context, he holds an open and respectful attitude toward human nature.

 

 

 

Husband: Wang Zichuan

Wife: Jin Ye