Reviewed by: Pandaren PENG

“Supreme Me” adapted from Dario Fo’s globally acclaimed play “Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” tells the story of a man suffering from “Supreme Me” syndrome. Through his encounters at a police station, he uncovers the dark tactics behind a farmer’s “accidental death” and takes on the role of a senior inspector from the Supreme Procuratorate to review the case. His successful performance eventually reveals the truth: the so-called “accidental death” was a forced suicide staged by the police.

Before the play even started, I was captivated by the multi-tiered steps in the dark, designed by Helen Zhang. The design not only spatially extended the stage but also added layers, subtly conveying the play’s recurring theme of class oppression to the audience. If the latter half of the play could focus more on this dramatic conflict, utilizing the multi-tiered stage to let the actors stand at different heights could further emphasize
class differences and character traits. As soon as the play began, Lu Xiaojun, who portrayed Ding Aling, successfully captured the audience’s attention. His unique comedic rhythm firmly locked in the audience,
stirring their joy at every moment.

Directors Diao Yinshi, Li Chenxi, and Xia Tianqi used detailed handling, emotional stacking, and rhythm changes to present the dry story in a humorous way. The interactions between Ding Aling and Mr. Niu and Ms Yang portrayed by Wu Chunrui and Chen Yufan were the evidence which had generated waves of laughter and applause in the Guild Theatre.

The directors also incorporated the traditional Chinese folk tune “Visiting the Qingshui River” with their original lyrics, as one of their most successful creations. They used a playful approach to depict people’s suffering and helplessness under class oppression, also aiding the actors in expressing their desire to resist this.

The incessant laughter and fervent applause from the audience served as the best indicators of the play “Supreme Me”‘s success on that evening. This achievement is undoubtedly attributed to Wang Shengfei and Xia Tianqi’s successful adaptation of “Accidental Death of an Anarchist.”

However, one point that has sparked considerable debate is the explanation of Anarchism in the script. In the original play, a significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to explaining “Supreme Me”, which is the concept of Anarchism, to create a stark contrast with governmental rule. In this adaptation, where “Supreme Me” is portrayed as a mental illness, the question arises: is it still necessary to elaborate on
Anarchism in the latter half of the script? This has become a popular debated topic among the audience.

The performance of “Supreme Me” tonight can unequivocally be deemed a success. This triumph is not just a fleeting moment of glory; it is a testament to the collective efforts, dedication, and talent of everyone involved at Element Theatre Company. From the playwrights who adapted a world-renowned play into something uniquely compelling, to the directors who masterfully orchestrated every scene, and the actors who breathed life into their characters—all have delivered their best work. And as well, the Production Team played a pivotal role in this achievement. All these elements came together to create an unforgettable experience for the audience. It is for these reasons that they all deserve not just the audience’s flowers, applause, and cheers, but also their deep respect and admiration.

Supreme Me played at the Guild Theatre from October 12th-14th, 2023.

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