The Location of Social Theater: An Interview with Zhao Chuan

Zhao Chuan, director and one of the founding members of the Grass Stage Theater Group (Caotaiban), explains the genesis of the group and its approach to social issues, its use of nonprofessional actors and nonstandard theatrical space, and its commitment to work outside the state and commercial sectors. Further distinguishing Grass Stage’s practice is a commitment to discussion, including the lengthy “after-theater” discussions with audiences, new forms of space, and a new and distinctive politics of the body. He also traces Grass Stage’s work with like-minded groups across Asia.