"Necktie vs. High Heels" Concludes Successfully

Last Sunday evening, the play "Necktie vs. High Heels," written by renowned San Francisco playwright Shen Yue and directed by emerging director Yang Jingkun, concluded perfectly amidst the audience’s laughter and tears! This debut performance marked the exciting first production by Xigu Theater since its founding a year ago, delivering a thrilling artistic experience.

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Over two days and three sold-out shows, the theater was packed to capacity, with the audience showering the play with praise. Viewers were deeply captivated by the dramatic twists and turns of the story, as applause and laughter echoed throughout the venue.

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On Sunday afternoon, playwright Shen Yue attended the performance and reminisced about the creative inspiration behind the play when he first wrote it 30 years ago. Shen expressed his joy in seeing this latest rendition and described it as an emotional homecoming. Joining this special occasion were the original cast members of Huayi Theater Group, who performed the play sixteen years ago as "Zhao, Qian, Sun, and Li," celebrating a moment full of love for theater. "It felt like going back in time to 16 years ago, like a warm family reunion," Shen said. While the original production remains vivid in memory, the updated "Necktie vs. High Heels" incorporates modern elements and offers fresh interpretations, showcasing the unique talents and potential of the new actors. Veteran artists in the Bay Area praised the play as a successful cultural inheritance, reflecting the brilliance of a new generation of theater enthusiasts.

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After the performance, audience members shared their excitement: "It was absolutely thrilling! The plot was tight, the logic impeccable, and the attention to detail remarkable. It cleverly incorporated local Silicon Valley elements, making us laugh while also prompting deep reflections. Watching it felt like being immersed in a world full of emotions. The playwright and director clearly demonstrated exceptional skill!"

Experienced directors, producers, and artists who attended the performances also commented, saying, "The cohesiveness of the production was nearly professional theater-level. From the pacing of the overall narrative to the rhythm and delivery of the actors' performances, the production reflected outstanding directorial standards. It was an incredibly successful show!"

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This play is Yang Jingkun's directorial debut in Silicon Valley, and she shared that her initial motive was to share her passion and dedication for stage performance with the community, contributing to the cultural and spiritual life of Chinese residents in the Bay Area. The production featured contributions from many talented individuals, including Luo Zezhong as the executive producer, Yu Haibo as stage designer, composer Li Wenze for music arrangement and performance, and Chen Xiang for dance choreography. Additionally, original video effects were incorporated, creating a rich artistic experience that earned widespread audience recognition, proving to be a powerful encouragement for the team's hard work.

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One of the play’s most amazing aspects was that its actors were non-professionals—including Silicon Valley-based PhDs, engineers, lawyers, doctors, and broadcasters living and working in the area. Yet, every performance was exceptionally convincing, with audience members marveling at the actors' skills and commenting that their talents rivaled those of trained professionals! The attention to detail and polished production highlighted the director's commitment and dedication. The overall professional quality of "Necktie vs. High Heels" delighted Silicon Valley audiences and left them eagerly anticipating future artistic works from Xigu Theater!