Middle-aged Chinese people may remember the play's lead actor for his role in "In the Heart of Silence," which reflected the situation at the end of "cultural revolution" (1966-76) when people felt hope but were still living in darkness. Zhang Xiaozhong was cast as a sun-tanned soldier of great integrity.

In "Made in China," Zhang plays Bai Shaojie, a career man who is unlucky in love.

Sponsored by the Shanghai Drama Arts Centre and the Shanghai Workers' Cultural Palace, "Made in China" is a play about how products labelled "Made in China" are treated in today's society in which people rate Western and expensive products above all others.

"I wrote the play to pose the question what will become of our domestic products, especially after the country's entry into WTO," said playwright Jia Hongyuan. In researching the play, he went as far as to apply for a position in a joint venture company where he could draw on what he observed of the staff and their activities.

Wang Xiaoying, the director of the play, graduated from the Central China Theatre Academy with a PhD in directing. As a director, he has won many prizes and has directed many plays all over the world including "The Thunderstorm" and "Anna Christie."

"Made in China" will be showing from March 23 till April 10 at the Majestic Theatre.

Time: 7:15pm

Place: 66 Jiangning Road

Admissions: 40-70 yuan

Tel: 6431-3523, 6445-0946