Flawless acting in Stratford theatre’s epic adaptation

China is suffering under a weak emperor (Stephen Ventura) controlled by a despotic minister Tu’an Gu (Joe Dixon) who has his eyes on the throne. A baby is born; his mother (Lucy Briggs-Owen) is the only daughter of the emperor, his father one of three wise counsellors whose good advice is not welcome. Two of the counsellors are forced into exile but the third, his father (James Tucker), is killed and his whole clan massacred.

In a desperate attempt to save her son, his mother pleads with the doctor Cheng Ying (Graham Turner) to smuggle the boy out. Tu’an Gu orders the death of every new born baby boy until he is found. But in an act of supreme sacrifice Cheng Ying tricks Tu’an Gu into thinking his own baby son is the Orphan, and thus stops the killing. Ignorant of his mistake, Tu’an Gu adopts the boy and raises him at court. Cheng Ying must suffer and watch, alone with his secret, till the boy is old enough to learn the truth and exact his revenge.

The RSC’s robust new adaptation marries the personal with the political and exposes the cost of resistance alongside its necessity. The script is powerful and clear, the design and direction free from fake chinoiserie.

The acting throughout is flawless. This is a modern adaptation of an ancient play that will soon become a classic in the RSC’s repertoire.

Nick Le Mesurier