"Bones and Flesh" is a haunting and gripping theatrical piece that delves into the intricacies of ghost marriages, a deeply rooted tradition in Chinese culture where deceased individuals are married to living partners, often to ensure the deceased are not lonely in the afterlife. The narrative intertwines this historical phenomenon with contemporary issues faced by the queer community in rural China, the ripple effects of intergenerational trauma, and the socio-political landscape of the time, including the one-child policy's consequences and the looming influence of Western culture.
The story follows Huang Ying （ “黄莺”）, a young Chinese American novelist visiting her grandmother who lives in a rural village named Bai Niao （ “百鸟村”） in Shanxi Province, China. While exploring the village, she stumbles upon Zhu Huang （ “朱凰”） and Bai Feng Ming （ “白凤鸣”）, two childhood friends whose bond has deepened into romantic love, though they are forced to hide it from their families and the rest of the village, where such relationships are not accepted. As secrets start to bubble to the surface, Huang Ying finds herself entrapped in supernatural visions, revealing the dark truth behind the village of a hundred birds.
Directed by Grace Schenkel
CAST:
Brian Wang.....Dharma Wyatt.....Merlin Liao.....Lisa Jiang.....Richard Xing.....Tina Qiu.....Joy Zhang
CREATIVES:
Scenic Design: Topaz Gao
Sound Design: Tina Qiu
Projections Design: Caren Wenqing Ye & Michelle Ma
Costume Design: Grace Schenkel
Intimacy & Violence Coordinator: Alex Taylor
Music Arrangements: Jessy Dong
Dramaturg: Jessy Dong
Stage Manager: Sophia Zhao
Assistsant Stage Manager: Douglas Mu
Project Assistant: Fisayo Ekeng