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EWTC kicks off its new season
with a night of murder at Tanghui
After a
long summer break, The East West Theater Company returned with its
first offering of the 2006-2007 season with “I Do, You Die,” a murder
mystery hosted by director Rob Tromp.
The third floor of Tanghui was filled with elite guests from Shanghai’s cultural elite for the wrap party of that Hollywood blockbuster “Mission Improbable III” when the co-stars Mr. Randy Wright and Miss Wang Wei announced their surprise marriage and took their vows before a speechless crowd.
The crowd didn’t remain speechless for long, however, as shocked and angry friends and relatives expressed their anger and betrayal at both the glamorous stars. Siblings, parents and friends hurled threats and angry words and the star couple quarreled with each other. In the confusion that ensued, it became hard to tell Wright from Wang.
Despite the undercurrent of distress, the couple went on with the celebration and made a toast to their future. That future was short-lived as, during their first -- and last -- dance as a married couple, they were murdered.
Suspicion was cast at family members, friends, business associates and the deceased couple’s talent agents – even their caterer and insurance salesman. It seems everybody had a motive for wanting this couple dead. So in their death, there was no love lost, but the mystery of just “who done it” had to be solved.
Audience members helped the “police” put together the clues and find the real killer. In the end, three audience members were super sleuths and correctly solved the night’s crimes. There were prizes awarded to two lucky winners courtesy of acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist Renton Harvey valued at RMB 1,000 each.
“I think we had good first outing for a new kind of theater in Shanghai,” said director Rob Tromp. He said this interactive theater is “a good way to bridge the gap between the bar crowd and the theater crowd in a city like Shanghai which is known for culture.”
Tromp is experienced at running these sorts of shows in America but said it was a learning experience putting on this first show here. He plans to integrate these lessons into the next performance – soon to be announced.
“We have to customize this sort of event for the local audience,” said Tromp. “And since it is in two languages, we have to work harder to keep both groups entertained and involved.”
To help get people involved, some audience members suggested exercises similar to familiar Chinese teambuilding activities as well as clearer explanation and preparation for the audience before immersing them in the midst of the murder mystery theater event.
“We also learned from the limitations of venue and logistics,” added Tromp. “We need a space that is more conducive to letting everyone see and hear the main action.”
It is also important to have a catered party atmosphere. The food and drinks become a focal point and an instant icebreaker says Tromp.
Stay tuned for news of upcoming East West Theater Company Events.
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