Acclaimed theater director Lin Zhaohua has put together a play from five short stories by modern Chinese writer Lao She. The stories depict the tragic comedy in ordinary people's lives in early 1900s Beijing. The play combines Lao She's signature realistic characters with black humor and absurdism, as well as the unique cultural flavor of Beijing. Li Chengru and Mi Tiezeng star in the leading roles.

7:15 pm, Sept 21-23, Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Fuxing Road W Shanghai. 021-6217-2426.